What is the PINS Project?
Partnerships for inclusion of neurodiversity in schools (PINS) is a nationwide programme, bringing together specialist professionals in health and education, as well as expert parents and carers, into mainstream primary schools to:
- Shape whole-school SEND provision
- Provide early interventions at the school level
- Upskill school staff
- Strengthening partnerships between schools, parents, and carers
Our Contribution to the PINS Project
Fortis Trust Outreach Service is proud to be one of the providers supporting the delivery of the PINS project. We have worked alongside schools throughout both Year 1 and Year 2 of the project, offering practical, inclusive support to strengthen provision for pupils with SEND.
Supporting Inclusive Practice
Our team worked closely with SENCOs and members of Senior Leadership Teams to carry out Environment Audits. These audits enabled schools to reflect on effective practice, celebrate strengths and identify clear next steps to further improve inclusion and outcomes for pupils with SEND.
Training and Professional Development
We delivered a wide range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions as part of the universal offer available to all Medway primary schools. These included training in dyslexia, autism, ADHD, positive behaviour, de‑escalation and Zones of Regulation. PINS schools were able to choose the CPD most relevant to the needs of their pupils and staff, ensuring the training had maximum impact.
Signalong Training
As a qualified Signalong Tutor, the Head of Outreach delivers a two‑day Signalong Foundation Course as part of the PINS project.
This training equips staff with the skills and confidence to use the full Signalong vocabulary without further qualifications. Participants also developed the expertise to act as Signalong Ambassadors within their settings, enhancing communication for pupils with a range of SEND and speech and language needs.
This training was fully funded by Medway Local Authority.
Practical Workshops and Resources
In March, we delivered a full day of hands‑on workshops and training. Sessions included Bucket Time, Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations, Sensory Circuits, sensory processing, Intensive Interaction, and the effective use of visuals. The day concluded with a practical session focused on setting up effective workstations in school.
Each participant left with a wide range of high‑quality resources to support implementation back in their setting, including visuals, practical materials, and a pinny. This training and all associated resources were funded through the PINS project, and schools are already using them effectively to support pupils with SEND.
Contact
To find out more about how to get involved, please contact our Outreach Team via email: outreach@fortistrust.co.uk / lorraine.lewin@fortistrust.co.uk or by phone at 01634 683990.