Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 2d

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...

Making every penny work harder: how schools can get more income from their cash reserves

By Robert Evans, Senior Portfolio Manager at CCLA Investment Management As a NASS-associated special school, you’re no doubt aware that the pressure on school budgets continues to increase. An April 2...

www.linkedin.com

Reposted by National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 10d

🎧 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...

"Inclusion is more than place" with Claire Dorer

Talking Inclusion… With Geoff Barton · Episode

open.spotify.com

2 5

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 14d

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

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 14d

“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

1 1 2

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 14d

“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

1 2 2

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 14d

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

1

Reposted by National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

HeX Productions @hex-productions.bsky.social · 16d

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 Conference.

If you're attending come to stall 11 and pay us a visit!

#NASSConf2025 #Education #FurtherEducation #A11y

1 1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · 20d

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...

2026 RSHE Guidance and teaching learners with SEND

by Nicky Waring, RSE Trainer & Specialist, Sex Education Forum New RSHE guidance has been released to be implemented in September 2026, but schools can start to make changes this academic year. Althou...

www.linkedin.com

Reposted by National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

Disabled Children's Partnership @dcpcampaign.bsky.social · Sep 1

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.

Newspaper headline. Text reads "Reform UK's deputy leader claims parents are 'using and abusing' free taxis for SEND children and warns 'unsustainable' spending will bankrupt local councils"

2 12 11

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Aug 12

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...

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Aug 6

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...

Profit Caps on special schools? It could threaten vital support for children and young people with SEND

The debate around profit in children’s services is emotive and often motivated by personal morals, but policymaking must be rooted in evidence, clear definitions, and a full understanding of the syste...

www.linkedin.com

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jul 21

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...

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 23

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

Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · Jun 20

An accounting loophole keeping spiralling SEND deficits from bankrupting councils has been extended for two years

schoolsweek.co.uk/send-deficit...

SEND deficits kept off councils' balance sheets until 2028

'Statutory override' protecting around half of councils from insolvency extended for two years

schoolsweek.co.uk

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 19

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...

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 17

@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.

SeeAbility @seeability.bsky.social · Jun 17

Our new eye care film is out for #LearningDisabilityWeek

We’re busting myths & showing how people with learning disabilities can get support with eye care.

Thanks to George Webster, our eye care champions & The Village School.

https://www.seeability.org/news/seeability-releases-new-eye-care-film

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 10

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...

www.nasschools.org.uk

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 10

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...

From fire-fighting to future-proofing: A strategic journey in workforce development

Recruitment and retention are challenges many special schools face — but what happens when you move beyond quick fixes and start treating workforce planning as a strategic priority? In this guest blog...

www.linkedin.com

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 3

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

1

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · Jun 2

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...

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · May 22

Join us for a free webinar exclusively for NASS members to learn how Challenge Partners supports special schools to improve outcomes through collaboration, challenge & leadership development.

Book your place: www.nasschools.org.uk/events/chall...

Challenge Partners - using the power of peer reviews for school improvement | NASS

Discover how Challenge Partners supports special schools to collaborate, share best practice and drive improvement.

www.nasschools.org.uk

National Association of Special Schools (NASS) @nasschools.bsky.social · May 22

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👇

Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · May 21

🔬 'The report paints a portrait of a profession deepening its curriculum and pedagogical approaches, prioritising wellbeing, using technology more strategically and increasingly tailoring provision to meet diverse needs'

@katechhatwal.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-schools-...

The Knowledge: How schools meeting challenges old and new

Our new report shows a sector impatient for innovation in difficult times

schoolsweek.co.uk

1