Autism in Schools (AIS) and Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) Update
2025 sees the start of the second year of the Autism in Schools programme in Brighton & Hove, a key initiative designed to strengthen understanding, support, and inclusion for autistic students in mainstream schools.
Last month, PaCC, alongside representatives from BHISS (Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service) and the Schools Mental Health Service, met with headteachers, SENCOs, and school leads from the schools selected to participate in this second year. This event was a valuable opportunity for everyone involved to connect, learn more about the project, and start planning for the year ahead.
One of the key elements of Autism in Schools is the parent carer coffee mornings, which PaCC will be facilitating in each participating school. These sessions offer a safe and supportive space for parent carers to share their experiences, build relationships with school staff, and contribute to discussions on how to improve the school experience for send learners. The first coffee mornings are already being scheduled, and we look forward to engaging with families and school communities in the coming months.
The names of the schools participating in the second year are:
- Bevendean Primary School
- City Academy Whitehawk
- Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA)
- Blatchington Mill School
- King’s School
Any parents who have a child on the SEND register at these schools will receive a parent carer survey and an invite to the coffee morning at their child’s school. These sessions are an important opportunity for families to share their experiences, raise concerns, and help shape future support for pupils with SEND.
Alongside Autism in Schools, PINS (The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) is another key project focused on neurodiversity inclusion in schools. The first year of PINs is coming to an end, and a survey will soon be sent out to parents at the participating schools to gather feedback on their experiences. As we await confirmation on whether the project will be extended for another year, we continue to advocate for meaningful inclusion and support for neurodivergent students across all school settings.