At Dyslexia Sparks, we are incredibly proud to have been part of the Partnerships for Inclusion in Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project alongside East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The PINS project brings together specialists to support and shape whole school SEND provision to improve support for children with additional educational needs in primary schools.
Over the course of the project, our organisation was selected to deliver school dyslexia training & awareness sessions in more than 20 schools across the region, supporting and upskilling 180 teaching staff.
For years, families have expressed of a lack of understanding and support for dyslexia with schools. Too often, children have struggled to access learning in ways that suit their needs, impacting not only their academic progress but also their confidence and wellbeing.
The PINS project recognised this and set up the project to make steps toward changing that narrative. By focusing on early identification and practical classroom strategies, the training has equipped educators with the tools they need to recognise and support dyslexic learners more effectively as part of a child’s overall development.
”The PINS project has opened doors to meaningful collaboration with schools across the region, creating a powerful ripple of positive change. It has sparked enthusiasm in teachers, strengthened their confidence, and equipped them with the tools to help dyslexic learners truly thrive in the classroom.
Jane Craig, Dyslexia Sparks Founding Director
A Lasting Impact in Classrooms
While the project itself may have ended, its impact is far from over. The knowledge, strategies, and awareness gained by teachers will continue to shape classroom practice for years to come. The whole school approach allows them to be better prepared to:
- Identify and implement early identification
- Implement inclusive teaching strategies that benefit all learners
- Create environments where neurodiverse pupils feel understood and supported
This shift strengthens entire schools by promoting a culture of inclusion and understanding. When schools and families work together with a shared understanding of dyslexia. Children feel more supported, parents feel more empowered, and barriers to learning begin to break down.
From our very first session at Penshurst Primary School to the many that followed, including Holme on Spalding Moor and Hedon Primary. Their willingness to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity and embrace inclusive practices has been a key success of the programme.
What support do schools have going forward?
We are especially encouraged by the commitment shown by local leaders to continue this work. Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, shared:
“We want our mainstream schools to have a strong understanding of neurodiversity so that every child is supported, understood, and listened to – and so that any additional needs can be identified early.”
At Dyslexia Sparks, our passion remains the same: to empower schools, support families, and champion every child’s right to thrive. The PINS project has laid a strong foundation, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum across Hull and East Riding schools.
If you’d like to know more about school support or our school dyslexia training, we’d love to hear from you.