Contact us on 01902 550609 or inclusionsupportadmin@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Privacy Notice

Neurodivergence – Information and Support

  • Home
  • Schools - Neurodivergence – Information and Support

Video - What is ADHD?

  • Section 1: What is ADHD?
  • Section 2: Myths Vs Facts (01:54)
  • Section 3: Strategies to support ADHD (05:12)
  • Section 4: ADHD and the brain (08:00)
  • Section 5: ADHD and Mental Health (11:39)
  • Section 6: Things can be better (12:24)

Resources

The SCERTS Model

Wolverhampton Educational Psychology Service uses The SCERTS Model as a framework to support the inclusion of children and young people with social communication and emotional regulation needs, including autistic young people. Further information is available here and within the E-learning session below.

NEST: Neurodivergent Peer Support Groups

NEST

NESTs are peer support groups run in schools to support pupils who identify as neurodivergent (e.g. Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia). Although, neurodiversity can include formal diagnoses, it is important to acknowledge that pupils do not need a diagnosis to be a part of the NEST group. The purpose of the NEST group is for neurodivergent young people to support one another in a safe, accepting, and inclusive environment which acknowledges them as the experts of their own experience.

NEST was developed through a research collaboration at the University of Edinburgh, involving neurodivergent young people, educators, and researchers. NEST can:

  • Increase understanding of Neurodivergence across your setting
  • Reduce Isolation, boost emotional wellbeing and promote inclusion
  • Increase self-advocacy skills among neurodivergent students

NEST groups usually run weekly, with the aim of them becoming very much student-led; they need time and dedication to set them up and help them to succeed. We can support you through 6 sessions to set up a NEST peer support group within your setting.

Setting up a NEST
What you will need: What you can expect from us:
  • A NEST Lead: A designated, enthusiastic and consistent member of staff to work alongside the EP service to set up the group.
  • An initial meeting to go through NEST and the process of setting one up in your setting
  • NEST Lead having protected time to plan and to lead weekly the sessions.
  • 6 sessions of support that can be used flexibly to support the NEST Lead in setting up and running the NEST (this could be for planning and/or group facilitation).
  • A consistent room/ space that can be used every week (spacious, free of distractions etc) for the NEST
  • Assembly resources to promote NEST with your students.
 
  • Resources to help you set up and run your NEST.
 
  • Resources to support you to monitor and evaluate the NEST.
 
  • Peer support organised to allow NEST Leads from different settings in Wolverhampton to share ideas.

Thomas Telford UTC were the first school in Wolverhampton to set up a NEST and have seen benefits for their students including improved attendance, engagement, wellbeing and friendships. They have seen increased inclusion and belonging for their neurodivergent students and their NEST has gone from strength to strength. The video below gives a flavour of the NEST at Thomas Telford UTC and you can hear some of the pupil voices about their experiences:

This longer video gives more reflections from school staff regarding the set-up and impact of NEST at Thomas Telford:

If you would be interested in us supporting to set up a NEST in your setting, please get in touch with your link Educational Psychologist or email Elaine Perry (Senior Educational Psychologist): elaine.perry@wolverhampton.gov.uk

E-learning sessions:

Autism

Introduction to SCERTS

Sensory needs

Supporting children with communication needs

Schools