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This year, we have 15 categories up for grabs!

You may notice some new ones to last year, as we’ve taken some time to refresh the criteria and make sure that they better reflect the SEND landscape right now. 

nasen awards on a table

Shortlist Announced!

Thank you to all of those who sent in their nominations for the nasen Awards 2024. We were hit with an incredible amount of inspiring provisions and individuals this year for our 15 categories.

After a long discussion through many well deserved individuals and settings, we are now announcing our shortlist.

Promotional image for nasen Awards 2024. Text reads 'nasen awards 2024 shortlist announced! Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 4th October 2024'
teacher in front of a class of secondary school pupils

Alternative Provision of the Year

Sponsored by SENsational Tutors

The Alternative Provision of the Year award recognises a setting’s outstanding commitment to providing comprehensive social, emotional and academic support to students experiencing significant difficulties. It celebrates their unwavering dedication to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. The provision is staffed with a passionate and empathetic team that understands the unique needs of each student and which works tirelessly to provide a holistic approach to helping them regain their sense of belonging in education and rebuilding their self-confidence and academic self-concept.

teacher in a library

Changemaker of the Year

Sponsored by Bsquared

The Changemaker of the Year award celebrates individuals who have made a significant and positive impact in promoting inclusiveness and equality. These individuals are true agents of change who have used their skills, passion and determination to drive forward positive change and break down barriers to inclusion. Whether through activism, advocacy, or the development of innovative solutions, these changemakers have made a real and lasting difference in creating a more inclusive world. The Changemaker of the Year award celebrates the courage, creativity, and impact of these individuals, who serve as an inspiration to others and demonstrate what is possible when we come together to drive forward positive change.

hands holding paper family

Co-Production Initiative of the Year

Sponsored by Seashell Trust

This category is open to any initiative that has intentional collaboration and co-production at its heart. It recognises an exceptional project or initiative that brings together different groups of people to work towards a common goal, with an emphasis on collaboration, inclusiveness, and co-creation. This project or initiative stands out for its innovative approach to solving problems and creating positive change, and for its ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives together to work towards a shared vision. The Co-Production Initiative of the Year award celebrates the spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness and recognizes the hard work and creativity of those who have made it a success.

Early years categories

Early Years Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Nursery World

This award recognises outstanding inclusive practice in the field of early childhood education and care. The early years provision will stand out for the transformative impact on the lives of young children and their families. The award celebrates the passion and commitment of the whole staff team and highlights the critical role that inclusive early childhood education and care plays in not only laying the foundation for a child's future success, but also ensuring that from the very start of their educational journey, children can thrive in a culture that celebrates the inherent variability in us all.

a teacher working with a young person at a laptop

Further Education (FE) Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Seashell Trust

This award celebrates an FE provision’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and the positive impact it has on the lives of students and the wider community it serves. A powerful sense of belonging is fostered for all students through policies and practice that ensure the setting is shaped by the students’ unique strengths and needs. This provision will break down barriers and challenge preconceptions around SEND through the passion and commitment of the whole staff team to help all their students thrive as they move from full time education into the next stage of their lives.

a teacher with students wearing VR headsets

Innovative Technology in the Field of Inclusion

Sponsored by Invision 360

This award honours products, or organisations that have innovated to bring about positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through the use of technology. It celebrates those who have found creative ways to overcome obstacles and generate fresh opportunities for individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds. Whether by inventing new assistive technologies, leveraging digital platforms to increase awareness and foster understanding, or pioneering more inclusive approaches to their work, this award recognises those who have embraced innovation to cultivate a more inclusive community for their students.

A young student getting help from his teacher

International Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Nurture International

This award, open to any setting from outside of the United Kingdom, recognises a setting that has demonstrated excellence in promoting inclusion among its students, staff, and the wider community. This school sets the standard for inclusiveness and is dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has equal access to a high-quality education. The setting embraces cultural diversity and neurodiversity and creates a positive and welcoming environment for all students, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate both their unity and their differences. The International Provision of the Year award celebrates the hard work, passion, and commitment of this setting which serves as an inspiration to others and leads the way in promoting inclusion in their region. 

A teacher demonstrating a chemical experiment to pupils in a classroom

Leader or Leadership Team of the Year

Sponsored by TG Escapes

The Leader or Leadership Team of the Year award is a testament to the vision, determination, and impact of those who inspire, support and guide others towards a more inclusive educational system. Whether through innovative initiatives, exceptional collaboration, or a relentless commitment to creating welcoming and supportive environments, this leader or leadership team has made a profound difference in the lives of students and the broader community. This award recognises those who understand that creating inclusive schools and communities requires not just a commitment to diversity and equity, but a willingness to challenge status quos, misconceptions and low expectations and think creatively about solutions. The award is a recognition of the vision and determination required to create a world where everyone has access to the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

image of primary school children in a classroom

Primary Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Axcis

This award is for a primary provision that embeds inclusion in all aspects of their practice and fosters a positive and supportive learning environment for all learners. The whole school community works tirelessly to ensure all students feel valued and included. The unique strengths and ways of being that all children have are not only recognised, but actively supported, celebrated and championed in this setting. The award celebrates the passion and dedication of the educators, staff, and administrators who work together to create a truly inclusive learning environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging for all. 

An image of a pile of books

Resource for SEND 2024

Sponsored by BESA

This category is open to all types of resources, from toolkits, webinars, blogs, hints and tips, books, or podcasts etc. The resource itself will have been designed with the education workforce in mind, to raise awareness, inspire others, and offer supported and evidenced based knowledge. Through the impactful use of this resource, the user will have used it to contribute to the positive learning experience for children and young people.

image of a teacher in a classroom with five students

Secondary Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Concero Education

The Secondary Provision of the Year award celebrates the commitment, passion and creativity of the educators, staff, and administrators who work together to create a truly inclusive learning environment. The award recognises outstanding support across the whole school journey, particularly preparation and management of two significant transitions. Within the setting, diversity is celebrated as a strength, and students with SEND are not only supported as effectively as their peers, but furthermore, SEND drives innovation and opportunities to enrich learning for all. This  creates a truly transformative learning environment that serves as an inspiration for other settings and demonstrates the positive difference that can be made through holistic, embedded support. 

A group of children walking into a school

Specialist Provision of the Year

Sponsored by Christie & Co

The Specialist Provision of the Year award recognises the deep commitment of a school to ensuring that all children and young people can excel. This setting will exemplify personalised learning so that all students are given the knowledge, skills and tools they need to achieve their aspirations. This award recognises a setting that has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating learning environments that are welcoming, supportive and empowering to all students. The award is a tribute to the expertise and dedication of the educators, staff, and administrators who work tirelessly to create a rich, engaging and joyful learning environment for every student. 

two people sitting in a library working on a laptop

Support Practitioner of the Year

Sponsored by BeReady

This might also be described as the unsung hero award. This category celebrates the dedication, expertise, and impact of a Support Practitioner who consistently works to create a more inclusive, supportive and joyful school experience for children and young people. This individual has, in their role, consistently demonstrated empathy, professionalism and a deep commitment to helping those they work with. Whether through one-on-one support, group work, or the development of innovative support or programmes, this individual has made a real and lasting difference in the children and young people they serve.

a teacher in a classroom with secondary school aged pupils

Teacher of the Year

Sponsored by TTS

The Teacher of the Year award recognises a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting inclusiveness in the classroom and creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. This teacher consistently  ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances, feel valued and included. Through a deep understanding of the needs of diverse learners, this teacher has had a transformative impact on the lives of students and the school community. Their unwavering belief in the importance of inclusive education and their tireless efforts to break down barriers and create more inclusive schools and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition. 

Three young people sitting on a ground

Young Advocate of the Year

Sponsored by TLC Live

This award celebrates a young person under 25 who through their actions, activism, public communication or other forms of advocacy has raised awareness of; championed acceptance of; and challenged stigma or stereotypes around SEND. Their actions have driven positive change for children and young people with SEND, whatever the scale of their impact, whether in the class, setting, local community or beyond. This award celebrates the bravery, determination and creativity of young people who are making a difference in the world, and who are helping to create a more inclusive and brighter future for all.