Working Together to Remove Barriers

At St Mary’s, we recognise that strong, trusting relationships with families are essential to effective inclusion. During this academic year, we are proud to be taking part in the PINS Project (Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity), which supports schools and parents to work together more closely to improve outcomes for children.

The PINS Project focuses on strengthening communication, understanding and partnership between schools and families, particularly where children may experience social, emotional or behavioural challenges linked to additional needs.

Why PINS Matters at St Mary’s

We know that children thrive when:

• adults work together with a shared understanding

• barriers to learning and behaviour are explored, not blamed

• support is consistent across home and school

The PINS Project aligns closely with our inclusive ethos and our commitment to removing barriers to learning so that every child can grow in confidence and achieve success. It supports our belief that behaviour is a form of communication and that understanding the underlying need is key to meaningful support.

What the PINS Project Has Involved

Through the PINS Project, staff at St Mary’s have:

• worked alongside parents to listen carefully to lived experiences

• reflected on school systems, communication and support strategies

• developed greater shared understanding of neurodivergence and emotional regulation

• strengthened collaborative approaches to supporting children’s wellbeing and learning

This work has helped us refine our inclusive practice and ensure that support is thoughtful, consistent and rooted in partnership.

Impact on Inclusion

The PINS Project has strengthened our inclusive approach by:

• improving relationships and trust between home and school

• supporting earlier identification of barriers to learning

• promoting empathy, understanding and shared problem-solving

• ensuring children feel safe, valued and understood

This work complements our graduated approach to support and our wider Provision for All model, ensuring that inclusion is proactive rather than reactive.

Looking Ahead

The learning from the PINS Project continues to inform our practice. We remain committed to:

• listening to parent and pupil voice

• working collaboratively with families

• adapting our approaches to better meet individual needs

• building a school culture rooted in compassion, understanding and high expectations

Through this work, we continue to strengthen our inclusive community, ensuring that every child at St Mary’s is supported to flourish and shine.