16/03/2026
Dear Parents
This week is Neurodivergent Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations. Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many challenges neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.
Throughout the week there will be a host of online events showcasing best practice in leadership, systems change, and scaling inclusion across workplaces, schools, and communities. There will also be practical toolkits for parents, schools, and employers—helping to turn ideas into real change on the ground and sparking conversations throughout the week over coffee or tea time… They are available at: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events-2026
What will we be doing in school?
As a school I am incredibly proud of our Neurodiverse community and the acceptance of alternative thinking. Our school has nearly double the National average for Special Educational Needs, with over 35 children diagnosed with Neurodivergence and many more waiting for assessments. I feel lots of this is down to our community acceptance to be yourself, the adaptations we offer, the knowledge of staff and parents and our vision to Appreciate Difference.
Two of our Year 5 children have been working hard preparing a Neurodiversity assembly for this week and the classes will also be reflecting on Neurodiversity in their class assembly time. We will also be recognising how we can support siblings of children with Neurodiversity and how life may differ for them in and out of school.
At Minch we don't celebrate Neurodiversity one week a year, we do this everyday with our inclusive ethos, championing alternative thinking and using children's unique strengths to enable them to flourish.
This year, during Celebrating Neurodiversity Week, we’re moving beyond awareness and focusing on action at an organisational level and how we can share best practice together to have greater impact.
