News

Keep up to date with all of the latest news, headlines and features from across the SEND sector.

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News listing

Turn Everyday Technology into Inclusive Teaching

May 2026

nasen and Concero have partnered to deliver exclusive accessibility training for school staff, helping you make the most of the tools already available in your school.

nasen LIVE 2026 agenda now available

May 2026

The full agenda for nasen LIVE 2026 is now available, showcasing a packed day of seminars, panels and sector-led discussion for everyone working to support children and young people with SEND.

nasen briefing: NFER research on SEND pressures in mainstream schools

May 2026

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) has published its latest report: “High-SEND schools: Patterns and pressures in mainstream provision.”

‘Get Set Progress Internship’ applications for blind and partially sighted job seekers opening soon

May 2026

The Thomas Pocklington Trust are opening applications for the 2026/27 Get Set Progress Internship this summer. Ahead of this, they have a webinar to support blind or partially sighted job seekers to feel confident about programme and applying.

New report explores why pupils with SEND are clustered in certain schools

May 2026

Increasing proportions of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are becoming concentrated in a small number of mainstream schools in England, placing pressure on those schools & raising questions about fairness across system.
SEND Reform Consultation Formal Response by Whole School SEND hosted by nasen

Putting children at the heart of SEND reform - Whole School SEND response to the 2026 consultation

May 2026

Whole School SEND (WSS), hosted by nasen has submitted its formal response to the Department for Education’s SEND Reform Consultation, Putting Children and Young People First.

Jake running TCS London Marathon 2026 on behalf of nasen

Jake completes the London Marathon for nasen

May 20206

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jake, who recently completed the London Marathon in support of nasen.

Artificial Intelligence guidance for schools updated

May 2026

On 19 May, the DfE updated guidance to help schools and colleges use AI safely and effectively, balancing innovation with safeguarding. The refreshed materials, first launched in 2025, support all staff from teachers to senior leaders.
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Rising suspensions and steady exclusion rates: what the latest data means for schools

May 2026

The latest DfE statistics on suspensions & permanent exclusions, spring term 2024/25, highlight continued pressures on the system.

Free Training for Early Years and Primary Staff from Down Syndrome UK

May 2026

Down Syndrome UK, a parent-led charity, working to support and raise expectations for individuals with Down Syndrome, have two webinars that are free for educational professionals in primary and early years settings.

Free mental health and wellbeing programme to support autistic pupils in secondary schools

May 2026

In this Mental Health Awareness Week, Ambitious about Autism are highlighting their free toolkit and programme, ‘Autistic and OK’.

New report highlights SEND as the leading barrier to future learning

May 2026

The Pearson School & College Report 2026 highlights growing pressures and priorities around special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across schools and colleges.

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DfE launches consultation on new Level 1 English and maths qualifications for post-16 learners

May 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has opened a national consultation on plans to introduce new Level 1 English and maths qualifications for students aged 16–19 in England.

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Inclusive sport festival returns with expanded offer for disabled young people

May 2026

Education professionals are being encouraged to take note of Parallel Windsor 2026, an inclusive mass-participation event designed to support children and young people with a wide range of needs.

nasen LIVE 2026 announces latest confirmed speakers and panellists

May 2026

nasen has announced the speaker & panellist line-up for nasen LIVE 2026, bringing together SEND specialists,school leaders, practitioners & sector voices for a full day of practical CPD at The Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham on Friday 3 July 2026

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Grants for Support of Service Children in Schools deadline approaching 8th May

May 2026

The Armed Forces Education Trust Collective Grants programme provides valuable support to groups of schools working together to improve outcomes for children from service families.

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‘Magic of Childminding’ campaign launched.

April 2026

The campaign, launched by Coram PACEY, celebrates the vital role childminders play in supporting children, families and communities across England and Wales and encouraging more parents to choose childminding as an option for their family.

Healthier school menus - what schools need to know

April 2026

The government has launched a consultation proposing major changes to school food standards in England, aiming to improve children’s diets and reduce high sugar and low fibre intake.

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Want to strengthen inclusion or improve attendance for autistic students?

April 2026

The Sheila Coates Foundation is inviting applications from mainstream secondary schools and colleges, for funding of £5,000.

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New Restrictive Interventions Statutory Guidance Issued

April 2026

Schools in England are being reminded of their legal duties following the introduction of new statutory guidance on restrictive interventions in education settings.