Applications open for the new Natspec Awards

Applications for the new Natspec Awards open today!

Open to any specialist further education provider that is a member of Natspec, the awards will shine a light on innovative practice in the sector. Applications are open until 19 February 2020.

Announcing the launch of the Natspec Awards website, Clare Howard Natspec CEO said:

“The new Natspec Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the wealth of experience and expertise that exists in the specialist education sector. Natspec members work hard to provide education and training that enables young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities achieve their goals.  As the membership body for specialist colleges, Natspec wants to recognise, celebrate and promote this important work.

I am delighted to announce that applications for the new Natspec Awards are now open and I encourage Natspec members to apply.”

The awards focus on six specific areas of practice:

• Innovative use of technology
• Creating successful pathways into employment
• Effective capturing and use of student voice
• Effective wellbeing support or mental health initiative
• Effective inter-disciplinary working
• Partnership-working to maximise opportunities/outcomes for students

The winners will be chosen by an independent panel of experts and announced at the Natspec National Conference in May 2020. Nigel Evans former lead HMI for high needs provision and chair of the judges panel commented:

“I am very excited about being involved in the Natspec awards; Natspec has always been at the forefront of encouraging and supporting the best educational practice for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and these awards are a fantastic way of celebrating innovation and excellence in specialist further education.”