National Association of Special Schools (NASS)
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nasschools.bsky.social
National Association of Special Schools (NASS)
@nasschools.bsky.social
NASS is a membership organisation representing over 450 special schools in England and Wales providing support, advice, information, events, training and a strong voice for non local authority maintained special schools.
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-...
October 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
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-...
October 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Keynote from Michael Conroy from Men at Work CIC on supporting boys & young men in special schools — tackling unique challenges, online risks & social pressures. #SEND #NASSConf2025
October 2, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“Special schools are more than policy and regulation — they’re about Purpose, People & Passion.”
– Claire Dorer OBE, #NASSConf2025
Focus on the human, embrace collaboration, and reduce division. #SEND #SpecialEducation #Inclusion
October 2, 2025 at 11:12 AM
“There remains a crucial role for special schools in supporting children with the most complex needs.”
– Claire Burton (DfE) opens #NASSConf2025, highlighting the vital place of specialist provision in a more inclusive system #SpecialEducation #Inclusion #Collaboration
October 2, 2025 at 10:08 AM
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
October 2, 2025 at 10:05 AM
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...
August 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
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...
June 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
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...
April 30, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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...
April 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM
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...
April 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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...
April 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
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...
April 8, 2025 at 10:10 AM
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...
April 1, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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...
March 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
📢 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...
March 21, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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...
March 14, 2025 at 9:59 AM
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.
March 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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...
March 6, 2025 at 12:29 PM
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 👇
February 24, 2025 at 3:40 PM
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/
February 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM
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...
February 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Places available on this half-day training for DSLs & safeguarding professionals managing child protection files.

Delivered by Carolyn Eyre, a child protection & safeguarding expert with extensive experience supporting special schools.

More information👇
www.nasschools.org.uk/events/recor...
February 14, 2025 at 11:01 AM
We asked AI in education expert Darren Coxon to unpack what recent government announcements mean for the future of AI in SEND.

NASS is partnering with Darren on a pioneering AI pilot with 11 of our member schools, exploring how AI can support SEND needs.
www.nasschools.org.uk/ai-and-the-f...
February 5, 2025 at 10:11 AM
We support the #FutureMindsCampaign calling for immediate and scalable steps that the Government can take to address the Children's Mental Health Crisis.

Read more: cypmhc.org.uk/publications...

@cypmentalhealth.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social
February 5, 2025 at 9:19 AM