The nasen Awards 2026 Shortlist

Sponsored by Degree six

The Alternative Provision of the Year award celebrates settings whom provide exceptional holistic support to students facing significant challenges outside of mainstream education.  We welcome nominations from organisations who have focused on developing a curriculum focused on social, emotional as well as academic progress. It is open to Pupil Referral Units, specialist Alternative Provisions, hospital outreach schools, vocation-based providers, as well as other recognised forms of Alternative Provision.  This award honours dedicated teams helping students to rebuild their confidence, sense of belonging, as well as supporting them to develop the behaviours for learning resulting in an improved ability to be able to thrive in their education.  

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Bright Heart Education
• Children Lead The Way CIC
• Tute Education

Sponsorship Available

The Changemaker of the Year award recognises individuals who are making a real, sustainable difference in the lives of children and young people living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This award is open to anyone who can demonstrate that they are driving positive change.  It celebrates those who are breaking down barriers to inclusion through advocacy, innovation, and dedication. 

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Nicole Ponsford - Global Equality Collective
• Rachel Newman - Pinc College
• Tracy Winchester - North Worcestershire Autism Parents Support Group 

Sponsored by The Dyslexia Shop

This award is open to any group or organisation—whether a coffee shop, Brownie group, soft play centre, or beyond - that embraces SEND and advocates for inclusivity. Celebrating their efforts to create inclusive environments and raise awareness of children and young people with SEND, this award honours those making a positive difference in their communities and championing understanding and belonging for all. 

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service - Ignite Futures Programme
• Merryfields School

Sponsored by Seashell

The Co-Production Initiative of the Year award celebrates outstanding projects that drive inclusivity through collaboration and co-creation. This award honours innovation and shared vision in problem-solving.  It is open to any initiative uniting diverse groups to drive positive change 

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Alice Giles and Mcr Museum
• The Multi-Schools Council

Sponsorship Available

The Early Years Provider/Provision of the Year award honours outstanding inclusive practice in early childhood education and care. Celebrating dedicated teams or individuals driving transformative impact, this award recognises preschool settings creating a nurturing, inclusive foundation where every child can thrive. 

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Roots Federation
• Surbiton Hill Nursery School

Sponsored by Nisai Learning

The FE Provision of the Year award celebrates outstanding commitment to inclusive practice within Further Education. It wishes to recognise settings who foster belonging, break down barriers, and empower students with SEND to achieve their potential.  This award recognises teams dedicated to helping every learner thrive.  

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Heart of Worcestershire College 
• Luminate Education Group
• The Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG)

Sponsored by Concero Education

The Inclusive Technology of the Year award is open to products or organisations using technology to drive positive change for children and young people with additional needs. Celebrating innovation in assistive tech, digital platforms, and inclusive solutions, this award recognises those breaking down barriers, creating new opportunities and accessibility. 

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Boxall Profile Online
• Oldham College - Assistive Tech Team
• Student Radar

Sponsorship Available

This award recognises an educational setting outside of the United Kingdom that demonstrates outstanding commitment to inclusive practice and ensuring children and young people with SEND can access high-quality education. Celebrating innovation, cultural awareness, and a dedication to equity, this award acknowledges international provisions that create supportive, inclusive environments where every learner can thrive.

Shortlisted nominees: 

• Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
• Margarita - Creative English Learning
• Saint Nicholas School in Alphaville, Brazil

Sponsored by Axcis Education

This award is open to primary (EYFS, key stage 1 and 2) settings that fully embed inclusion in their practice and create a supportive learning environment. Celebrating the dedication of all staff, this award honours those who ensure all students feel valued and foster a strong sense of belonging for everyone. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Edith Moorhouse Primary School
• Ermine Primary Academy 
• Midfield Primary School

Sponsored by Slater and Gordon

This award celebrates a diverse range of resources - including teaching resources, toolkits, webinars, blogs, and podcasts -designed for the education workforce. Recognising impactful materials that raise awareness and provide evidence-based knowledge, this award celebrates those developing resources to contribute to positive learning experiences for children and young people with SEND. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Behaviour 360 (by Beacon School Support)
• No Child is Missed, No Child Misses Out
• Therapeutic Thinking Ltd

Sponsored by Elygra

This award honours individuals or teams who do not hold the position of SENCo but who inspire and guide others toward a more inclusive educational system. Nominations should celebrate innovative approaches and a commitment to fostering welcoming, inclusive environments. This award recognises those challenging misconceptions, championing diversity and equity to help every individual reach their full potential. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Cigdem Alkan - ECASS
• Dan Osborn - Midfield Primary School
• EPNE Leadership team - Education Partnership North East

Sponsored by Carpe Diem Education Consultants

The Secondary Provision of the Year award celebrates educators and staff committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for key stage 3 and 4 students. Evidencing outstanding support throughout the school journey and during key transitions, this award celebrates settings that embrace diversity, ensure effective support for students with SEND, and drive innovation to enrich learning for all. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Healing Academy
• Mulberry Academy
• The Pendlebury Centre

Sponsored by PAGS

This award recognises an exceptional Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) who demonstrates outstanding commitment to inclusive practice and ensures that children and young people with SEND are supported to thrive within their setting. Celebrating leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, this award acknowledges the vital role SENCos play in driving whole-setting inclusion and improving outcomes for learners with SEND.

Shortlisted nominees:

• Helen Airey - St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
• Jan Hill - GBNFC Group
• Jay Dann-Finch - Hastings Academy

Sponsored by Christie & Co

This award recognises settings committed to helping all children and young people excel through personalised learning. Celebrating settings that create welcoming, supportive, and empowering environments, the Specialist Provision of the Year award celebrates the dedication of educators and staff in fostering engaging and joyful learning experiences for every student.

Shortlisted nominees:

• BeyondAutism
• Oakwood Academy
• The Orpheus Centre

Sponsored by BeReady

The Support Practitioner of the Year award celebrates the dedication and impact of support practitioners who enhance the educational experience for children and young people. Recognising individuals who demonstrate impact and professionalism, this award honours those making a lasting difference.  

Shortlisted nominees:

• Kerry Thompson - The Netherhall School
• Laura Stow - The Netherhall School
• Sarah Shaw - Longdendale High School

Sponsorship Available

The Teacher of the Year award recognises educators who exemplify an exceptional commitment to inclusivity and create positive learning environments for all students. Celebrating those who ensure every student feels valued and understood, this award thanks teachers whose transformative impact and unwavering belief in inclusive education make a lasting difference in their setting. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Julie May - The Orpheus Centre
• Miss Norton - St Leonard's C of E Primary School
• Nicola Fitzpatrick - The Meadows School

Sponsorship Available

This award celebrates an outstanding provider that goes above and beyond to offer inclusive, high-quality before-school, after-school, or holiday provision. This award celebrates settings that ensure children and young people with SEND have access to safe, supportive, and engaging environments beyond the classroom in line with their peers. Whether through tailored activities, specialist staff training, or a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion, this provider creates a space where every child can thrive, feel valued, and be fully included. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Camp Active Penistone - Child's Play Nursery
• Dragonflies - Cranmere Primary School
• Roboodles Before & After School Club - Roecliffe Church of England Primary School

Sponsorship Available

The Young Advocate of the Year award celebrates a young person under 25 who raises awareness and champions inclusivity through activism and advocacy. Honouring their positive impact on children and young people with SEND, this award recognises the bravery and creativity of those driving change for a more inclusive future. 

Shortlisted nominees:

• Joseph Adams 
• Tobias Lambe - University of East Anglia
• Tom Ashforth - Barnsley College