Project supporting children with neurodiverse needs launches in Essex
HCRG Care Group has been chosen to lead a pioneering project that will support schools in meeting the needs of neurodiverse pupils in Essex.
The leading health and social care provider is working alongside Essex Family Forum to deliver the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in School (PINS) project on behalf of the three integrated care boards: NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, and NHS Mid and South Essex ICB.
Building on the existing support of Essex County Council, the project pioneers a new model for supporting good outcomes in mainstream schools for neurodiverse students, focusing on improving knowledge, skills, and environments to better meet the needs of neurodiverse children and enhance their educational experiences.
It will deliver a bespoke, school-centred package of support into mainstream primary settings to help shape the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, provide early interventions, upskill school staff and support strengthening of partnerships between schools, parents and carers.
Pat Birchall, Managing Director at HCRG Care Group, said: “As leaders in transforming health and care, we are excited to be part of this innovative project that will make a really positive difference to children with neurodiverse needs.
“Over the past seven years we have built strong relationships with schools across Essex and this work will allow us to strengthen these links and enhance the support we provide to families across our local communities.”
Sarah Hannington, Interim Programme Director for Children and Young People at Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “We recognise the importance of collaboration between health, education, and parent carer organisations in supporting neurodiverse children in schools. The PINS project embodies this collaborative spirit and offers an innovative approach to improving outcomes for these children.”
Lee Bailey, Transformation Lead for Children and Young People at Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “We are excited to be part of the county wide roll out of the PINS project, which will bring together system partners to support a better understanding of the needs of neurodiverse children. PINS will align to existing neurodevelopmental pathways to work with schools to ensure children receive the right support at the right time that meets their needs.”
HCRG Care Group has been running the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service, in partnership with Barnardo’s since 2017. Rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission, the service ensures that families have free, and easy, access to local health services in the community.
