During the past three years, PaCC has been delivering the Autism in Schools (AiS) and Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) projects, in partnership with Brighton and Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS); click her for more information about BHISS.
The AiS project was delivered over two years to the following schools:
AiS year 1:
- Cardinal Newman Catholic School
- Cottesmore St Mary Catholic School
- Woodingdean Primary School
AiS year 2:
- Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA)
- Bevendean Primary School
- Blatchington Mill School
- City Academy Whitehawk (CAW)
- King’s School
- Saltean Primary School
The PINS project was delivered over two years to the following schools:
PINS year 1:
- Aldrington CofE Primary School
- Brunswick Primary School
- Downs Infants School
- Fairlight Primary School
- Middle Street Primary School
- Mile Oak Primary School
- Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic School
- Patcham Juniors School
- Westdene Primary School
PINS year 2:
- St. Margaret’s CofE Primary School
- Hove Junior School
- West Hove Infant School
- West Hove Infants and Hove Juniors School
Both projects brought parents together by organising coffee morning where participants talked about their children needs, their own needs, what the school provided already and what else can be offered to the children. Parents who attended coffee mornings told us they appreciated taking part in these small group sessions for the opportunities they provide for discussion and mutual peer support. They welcomed sharing their ideas on how they wanted the groups to run and felt hopeful about the future in creating a better, more inclusive environment for their SEND children in school.
A parent commented – “Listening to others and not feeling alone” – while another added – “Hearing different perspectives and experiences of navigating school and healthcare systems. Reassurance that our kids can / hopefully will turn out OK as adults! Also hearing about what support, courses, and organisations are available to help”.
At the end of each session, PaCC staff gathered feedback from those attending: 92% of parent carers said they felt more informed; 94% felt that their voice was heard; 94% felt more included.
If you are a parent carer in one of these schools and want to take part, get in touch to find out more email [email protected]