The Schools Minister’s comments yesterday are a welcome recognition of the essential role special schools play in supporting pupils with SEND and the need for closer working between mainstream and specialist provision. #SEND #SpecialSchools 🧵1/4

With speculation growing about the schools white paper and no clarity on timing or content, we were pleased to read Lord Blunkett’s piece in @thetimes.com recognising the vital role special schools play & need to “harness the power and expertise in special schools.” www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

You won't want to miss it‼️ www.linkedin.com/posts/dranit... #SEND #specialschools #AP

We’re hiring! 2025 will be a pivotal year for SEND reform and we’re looking for a Policy and Research Intern to join our small, ambitious team at NASS. For further details on the role and to download the recruitment pack: nasschools.org.uk/jobs/19362/

🎄 All we want for Christmas is SEND reforms… but what if they fall short? With the Schools White Paper coming, hopes are high but so is risk of disappointment. NASS CEO Claire Dorer reminds us special schools can still make it work for children with SEND. www.nasschools.org.uk/all-we-want-...

Help shape the future of special schools - become a NASS trustee! We are seeking 2 trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence. Deadline: 7th Nov Find out more and how to apply: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...

Help shape the future of special schools - become a NASS trustee! We are seeking two trustees to join our board as we enter an important period of growth and influence. Deadline: 7th Nov Find out more and how to appy: www.nasschools.org.uk/jobs/advert-...

Could your school’s cash reserves be working harder? In our guest blog, Robert Evans from CCLA shares how charitable & not-for-profit schools can boost income and support their work. A must-read for bursars & finance leads 👇 www.linkedin.com/pulse/making...

🎧 New episode of Talking Inclusion... with @realgeoffbarton.bsky.social is live! Historical underinvestment in SEND education has left too many children waiting for support, explains Claire Dorer CEO of @nasschools.bsky.social 👉: open.spotify.com/episode/4pW1...

Good morning from Day 1 of #NASSConf2025! Chairs ready, tables set and waiting for these seats to be filled by some of the sharpest minds in the SEND sector. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day 👇 #SEND #SpecialEducation

The HeX team is looking forward to helping education professionals explore ways that digital #accessibility can help all students to thrive at the @nasschools.bsky.social#accessibilityConference. If you're attending come to stall 11 and pay us a visit! #NASSConf2025 #Education #FurtherEducation #A11y

In July, @departmentforedu.bsky.social published updated RSHE guidance, with schools expected to adapt by Sept 2026. We asked Nicky Waring, RSE Trainer at Sex Education Forum charity, to highlight key changes & what they mean for SEND learners. Read her briefing👇 www.linkedin.com/pulse/2026-r...

We are unaware of any evidence at all that backs up Richard Tice’s random assertion. Nor are we aware of Reform having a policy on special educational needs and disabilities.

Less than 2 months to #NASSConf2025! Bristol | 2-3 Oct 2025 2 days of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops & networking for #SEND leaders. Residential SOLD OUT — day tickets still available! Book your place: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/nassc...

NASS CEO Claire Dorer challenges @libdems.org.uk harmful policy proposals for special schools and misleading claims. Read full response 👇 www.linkedin.com/pulse/profit...

NASS CEO Claire Dorer shares @captaink77.bsky.social and @spcialndsjungle.bsky.social 's opinion on this "vaseline on the lens" look at the safety valve programme👇 www.linkedin.com/posts/nasssc...

On Friday, the government confirmed that the statutory override shielding councils from the impact of SEND deficits will be extended to 2028. This offers some short-term breathing space. However, without a long-term solution, the pressure on councils continues to build. 🧵1/5

How will the Employment Rights Bill affect your special school? NASS members are invited to a free webinar on 10 July with James Sage from @rwkgoodman.bsky.social, breaking down the biggest changes to employment law in 50+ years. Book your free place: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/emplo...

@seeability.bsky.social has launched a new short film for #LearningDisabilityWeek to raise awareness of how people with learning disability can get support with eye care.

In this week's blog, Nicky, Head of HR & Finance at @ForestBridgeSch shares the 'transformational' impact of a workforce development course by @DrMattSilver & NASS. A must-read for school leaders aiming to build values-led, resilient teams www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-f...

We're proud to join 70 organisations calling for real investment in early years. Children with SEND need more than promises, they need support from the start. The #SpendingReview must deliver for babies, young children & families. buff.ly/RVogQQq

NASS members — don’t miss our free webinar tomorrow (Tues 3 June) with Dr Kate Chhatwal OBE (CEO, Challenge Partners) & Lisa Bond (Treloar's School) on how Challenge Partners helps special schools improve through collaboration, challenge & leadership 👉 Book now: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/chall...

Challenge Partners latest report shows how special schools share vital expertise in inclusion, tailored learning & wellbeing. Want to learn more? On 3 June, we're hosting a webinar with @katechhatwal.bsky.social, Challenge Partner's CEO & Lisa Bond, Head of School @treloars.bsky.social More info👇

It's important to highlight evidence like this, which demonstrates the value and impact that specialist provision can have.

Our final #NASSAwards2024 spotlight! Gretton School won the Outstanding Impact award for transforming lives by embedding a whole-school approach to Relational Practice - placing connection, consistency & positive relationships at the heart of every interaction www.linkedin.com/pulse/embedd...

Join @nasschools.bsky.social and Still Human for a 60-min Menopause Awareness for All webinar on Tues 7 May, 4pm. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, partner, or simply want to support others—this session is for you. 🔗 Book now: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/menop...

New allergen guidance for non-prepackaged foods was published last month by @foodgov.bsky.social Nutritionist Lorna Bell from ISCC explains what it means for special schools and the steps they need to take to keep pupils safe. 👇 www.nasschools.org.uk/navigating-t...

Special schools play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive education system. As part of the Inclusion in Practice initiative, we’re inviting NASS member schools to highlight how they champion inclusive practice and collaborate with mainstream settings. Submissions close on 1st May

Dovecote, an independent special school in Somerset, was rated @ofstednews.bsky.social ‘Outstanding’ just 7 months after opening in Sept 2022. Its achievements were further recognised as a finalist in our 2024 NASS Awards. Read more about its distinct approach 👇 www.linkedin.com/pulse/outsta...

Safeguarding doesn’t stop at 18, but the systems change dramatically. In this guest blog for NASS, safeguarding expert Carolyn Eyre explores the “cliff edge” of transitional safeguarding and the challenges facing schools. www.linkedin.com/pulse/safegu...

How can EHCPs become more person-centred, aspirational & dynamic? In this guest blog, Melanie Baggaley from @asdaneducation.bsky.social explores how EHCPs can truly support young people to thrive — in school and beyond. www.linkedin.com/pulse/enhanc...

While concerns about individual schools must be addressed, @ofstednews.bsky.social data shows independent special schools perform well compared to others & play a vital role in supporting complex SEND needs & improving outcomes. Read more: www.linkedin.com/posts/nasssc... @rosafurneaux.bsky.social

We welcome this balanced article by @itvnews.bsky.social highlighting the experiences of families & young people with SEND, the transformative impact of independent special schools and their vital collaborative role in shaping a truly inclusive education system

April is here, which means #StressAwarenessMonth! To help understand stress and how to cope with it, we’ve put together our top stress-busting resources. Focus on a couple each week and see if they help you gain control on your stress levels, ready for the summer term. ow.ly/YKes50Vm4WO

Undershaw, an independent special school in Surrey, was a finalist in our 2024 Outstanding Impact Award for its pioneering Undershaw Diploma. Deputy Head Victoria Walker shares how its innovative approach is transforming outcomes for its learners: www.linkedin.com/pulse/elimin...

Special schools play a crucial role in supporting a more inclusive education system. As an engagement partner for @inclusioninpractice.org.uk we encourage them to share how they support inclusive practice in mainstream settings - an opportunity to highlight impact & effective collaboration.

It's disappointing to see another media piece reduce the discussion of Independent Special Schools to misleading headline costs, overlooking the real story of value, quality and outcomes for children & young people with SEND. Read our response: www.nasschools.org.uk/failing-to-l...

With 75% of the education workforce being female, menopause awareness is a whole workplace issue. In her guest blog, Julie Liddell explores why ALL staff need to understand menopause to help retain talent, support wellbeing & create an inclusive school environment. www.linkedin.com/pulse/menopa...

With Stress Awareness Month coming up this April, we’ve put together a toolkit of stress-busting resources specifically designed for teachers and education staff. Please share with your colleagues. Access here: ow.ly/YKes50Vm4WO #StressAwarenessMonth #EduSky

📢 NASS Spring Term SEND Policy Digest This term has seen lots of discussion around SEND policy, but no major changes confirmed yet. Our latest digest breaks down key updates, incl. new govt funding for for schools to cover rising NIC costs. 🔗 Read here: www.nasschools.org.uk/wp-content/u...

It’s #WorldSleepDay & a timely reminder of the importance of good sleep, especially for young people with SEND. There’s still time to sign up for next week's CPD-accredited sleep training for education professionals www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sleep-wise...

Fantastic backdrop for our Heads of Care meeting in London yesterday! Thanks to Innovation Broking for hosting & everyone who joined us. Great insights & discussions on Use of Reasonable Force in Schools consultation, Children's Schools & Wellbeing Bill & recruitment/retention in children’s care.

Still time to book onto our half-day online training session on Tues 25th March for DSLs & staff in special schools responsible for maintaining child protection & safeguarding files. Discounted rate for NASS members. More info: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/recor...

"This policy risks reducing the flexibility that special academies currently have to offer a curriculum best suited to their learners." Our CEO spoke with @rosafurneaux.bsky.social from @schoolsweek.bsky.social about why special schools must retain the ability to offer a broad, holistic curriculum

Our recent webinar with @nasschools.bsky.social is available on our website 👏🙌 Get tips and advice on how staff can stay mentally well and engaged in the classroom when working with students with SEND. Watch here: ow.ly/kvpc50V60Sf #SEND #SEN #SpecialSchools #TeacherWellbeing

Special schools play a crucial role in supporting thousands of children & young people with SEND to achieve the best possible outcomes. As the recognised voice of special schools, NASS will be joining other experts tomorrow at the Education Committee’s Solving the SEND Crisis inquiry. 1/3 👇

Headteachers, HR & recruiters – are you confident in handling DBS checks, GDPR & the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act? Join expert Carolyn Eyre for a vital session on the legalities of managing criminal data in hiring 🔗https://www.nasschools.org.uk/event-category/training-events/

How does coaching shape special schools, their leaders & communities? In this guest blog, Dr Matt Silver explores the power of space, dialogue & sense-making in leadership - and why investing in coaching is key to the future of special schools. Read more⬇️ www.linkedin.com/posts/nasssc...

👏 Congratulations to NASS member Churchward School in Swindon on being recognised as a Thrive Approach School of Excellence.

Arc Oakbridge School was a finalist in the 2024 #NASSAwards for its innovative use of music technology. From hands-on projects to a student-led podcast, students have gained skills, confidence & a love for learning. Read more from Headteacher Jilly McCarrick: www.linkedin.com/pulse/innova...