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

“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

“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

Too many with SEND are being failed, esp those who require specialist placements that are increasingly hard to access.

Each year without action means more children missing out on the right support. The human cost of delay is growing and it's unacceptable.
5/5

A solution to the SEND crisis is long overdue, and the longer it’s deferred, the greater the cost — not just to local authority finances, but to the futures of children and young people with SEND.
4/5

The government has promised a Schools White Paper & more detail on SEND reforms this autumn. These must deliver more than ambition - they must offer a credible roadmap to long-term sustainability that doesn't come at expense of children & young people having their needs met.
3/5

The extension delays an urgent reckoning. Councils face a c.£5bn SEND funding crisis, with no clear plan to fix the root causes. It may avert collapse for now, but only pushes the problem further along an already strained path.
2/5

The next five-day Future-Readying Your Workforce course starts this November, with places available for up to 15 special school leaders and a special discount for NASS members - www.nasschools.org.uk/wp-content/u...