National Association of Special Schools (NASS)’s Post

Day 2 of #NASSConf2024 We kicked off the day with Ofsted ‘s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver who shared key findings from The Big Listen, outlined upcoming reforms, and engaged in an insightful Q&A with our members. Thank you, Sir Martyn, for headlining day 2 for us! AI expert Darren Coxon inspired us with his keynote on the transformative potential of AI in special schools. He focussed on how AI can enhance SEND classrooms through content generation, analysis and insights, as well as also fostering creativity and student autonomy. Throughout the day, our workshops covered a range of key topics: Mental Health - Harry Anderson from MUNTHAM HOUSE SCHOOL shared details of their successful Therapy Hubs programme, which for the last three years has been supporting pupils from local schools in mental health crises or at risk of exclusion. This programme has made a significant impact with significantly reduced exclusion rates and CAMHS referrals while also improving attendance and wellbeing! Workforce challenges - Dr Matt Silver (NPQEL) 🌱 and Gerianne de Klerk - van Someren CPsychol led a session about reimagining your workforce in which they presented valuable insights into addressing workforce challenges in education. Their workshop explored root causes and how to reduce budget pressure using tailored diagnostic tools. Safeguarding - NASS Safeguarding expert Carolyn Eyre provided and update on new guidance and recent changes in safeguarding practice, along with discussing what a ‘whole school approach to safeguarding’ means for NASS members. VAT on Independent Schools - Our new NASS partners VWV hosted a practical workshop to help members navigate the government's VAT plans and offered guidance on managing the necessary changes in schools. Improvement journey – Northern Counties Headteacher Martin Lonergan delivered an enlightening and lively session sharing his school improvement journey from inadequate to good with outstanding features in 5 different settings over the last 8 academic years. The Percy Hedley Foundation AI in the SEND classrom: Following his earlier keynote, Darren Coxon led a hands-on workshop, demonstrating practical examples of how AI can enhance teaching and learning in SEND classrooms, ultimately improving outcomes for learners. And that’s a wrap on #NASSConf2024! Thank you to all our brilliant speakers and everyone who joined us in Leeds for two packed days of learning, inspiration, and connection. While the NASS team may be a bit frazzled, we feel energised and inspired by our wonderful special school community ✨

#NASSConf2024 Day 1 What an incredible start to our conference in Leeds! The atmosphere was buzzing as we welcomed over 200 people from our special school community, along with SEND and industry sector experts, sponsors, and exhibitors from across the UK. We kicked off with Rosie’s inspiring journey from student to staff member at Peterhouse School, reminding us of the transformative power of the right support in the right setting. Her story set an uplifting tone for the event. NASS CEO Claire Dorer OBE delivered a compelling State of the Sector address, emphasising the opportunity over the coming year for special schools to assert their value and position within the education system. We were delighted to welcome Matt Keer, a SEND parent and member of Special Needs Jungle Ltd, who delivered a keynote on the current state of the SEND system and efforts by national leaders to improve it. He painted a picture using national data, FOI responses, and the lived experiences of children and young people with SEND. Throughout the day, our workshops provided invaluable insights: With rising stress levels in education, Julie Liddell from Still Human led a practical and interactive session on stress management, helping delegates explore stress responses and how adopting mindfulness practices can make a difference. Deirdre Fitzpatrick facilitated an insightful masterclass on school leadership, focusing on decision-making for student success, the purpose of education, and garnering support for our choices. Delegates also discussed curriculum innovation and fostering psychological safety based on the latest research. Sharon Gray's trauma-informed workshop drew from her extensive experience, debunking myths and offering strategies for creating safe and empowering environments that boost engagement, strengthen relationships, and improve outcomes for all students. We were thrilled to hear from the Inscape House School Team (Hannah Stollar & Marie Young - Together Trust) and JESS BATES from AtkinsRéalis, who shared how they have been bridging the gap with careers education, empowering neurodiverse youth for the future workforce. The Peterhouse School team showcased their evolving tutorial system, which empowers autistic students through meaningful conversations, leading to improved personal and social-emotional development. During the day we also held our #NASSAwards2024 Ceremony, sponsored by The Edwin Group, where we celebrated outstanding achievements in our special school community. A huge congratulations to this year’s winners - Treloar's, Aurora Hanley (The Aurora-Group), Gretton School and Jenny McConnell from Dawn House School (Speech and Language UK). We will be sharing further details about their projects in the coming week, so keep an eye out! It was a packed day, and we’re excited for more tomorrow! Thank you to our conference sponsors – Innovation Broking, B Squared Ltd, Simplyhealth and Townsend McCormack Ltd.