Whipton Barton Federation Joins Pioneering Programme to Support Neurodiverse Children

Whipton Barton Federation is thrilled to have been part of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme over the past few months.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, the PINS programme aims to enhance support for neurodiverse children across schools. 

The term ‘neurodivergent’ includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, developmental language disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome, and other forms of developmental learning differences and needs, whether diagnosed or as yet undiagnosed.

As one of the selected schools in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, Whipton Barton Federation has worked hand-in-hand with local authorities and parent carer forums to develop strategies that improve both educational and health outcomes for neurodiverse pupils.

Building on the success of the Autism in Schools model, the PINS programme emphasises early intervention, ensuring that children receive the right support before the need for intensive help arises. With around 15% of children in Devon either diagnosed with or awaiting an assessment for a neurodivergent condition, Whipton Barton Federation recognises the growing need for structured support. 

The programme’s key objectives include:

 -  Early Identification: Identifying children with additional needs, whether formally diagnosed or not, to ensure they receive the right support.

 - Parental Support & Inclusion: Cultivating an inclusive school community where parents feel heard, supported, and actively involved.

 - Whole-School Approach: Fostering a school-wide understanding of neurodivergence, helping all pupils thrive together.

As part of the initiative, Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, carried out a comprehensive self-assessment, engaging school leaders, the governing body, pupils, and parents to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The school also hosted a series of parent workshops and coffee mornings, supported by professionals, to encourage open dialogue and further strengthen the support network for families. Parents shared their appreciation for the school’s early identification strategies and the warm, welcoming environment created for their children.

To bring the programme to a celebratory close, Whipton Barton Federation marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a wonderful whole-school event. Parents of neurodivergent children were invited to participate in a collaborative art activity, where 45 families, with the help of staff, created beautiful pieces celebrating their children's unique strengths. The event was a joyful celebration of the diverse talents within the school community, accompanied by coffee, cake, and shared moments of connection.

Whipton Barton Federation looks forward to continuing its work and sharing best practices with other schools, working together to promote positive change for neurodiverse pupils across the region.

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

"The PINS programme is a vital step toward ensuring all children, regardless of their neurodivergence, receive the support they deserve. At Whipton Barton Federation, we’re proud to be setting the standard for how schools can lead the way in supporting neurodiverse pupils, and we’re excited to share our successes with others across the region. This work is a true reflection of our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all pupils."