Surrey schools expand neurodiversity support programme

The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINs) has expanded to a total of 70 schools across Surrey, following a successful pilot phase. 

As a joint initiative between NHS England and the Department for Education (DfE), it aims to strengthen early intervention, equip teachers with specialist skills, and improve communication between schools and families. 

The Surrey pilot ran from 2024 until June 2025 in 41 schools, working with Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board, children’s charity Eikon and parent carer forum Family Voice Surrey. The expansion now brings a further 29 schools into the scheme, mainly in north east and south west Surrey.

To mark the launch of the second year, school leaders, governors and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) attended an event at Esher Rugby Club alongside education, health and family partners. Training and support will be delivered by services including educational psychology, speech and language therapy and Active Surrey.

According to Surrey County Council, the initiative is part of wider efforts to improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs. Each participating school will receive up to 30 hours of tailored training, including occupational therapy audits, speech and language support, playground audits and the appointment of neurodiversity champions.

Jonathan Hulley, cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning at Surrey County Council, said: “I am overjoyed to see the transformation of the PINS pilot into a significant programme expansion. This programme represents our collective commitment to inclusion, early support, and meaningful collaboration across education, health, and family services.”

Family Voice Surrey, which represents parent carers in the county, has also been closely involved in shaping the scheme. 

Kate Goode, participation lead at Family Voice Surrey, added: “Working on the PINS programme has been fantastic over the last year. It’s been a real partnership and families have really felt heard, and they have been given an opportunity to feel like an equal partner in the decision-making process for their child and their family.”