Categories

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.  

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inclusive practice and student well-being. 
• Provides a range of tailored interventions and bespoke support around the holistic needs of students 
• A strong evidence base of positive outcomes for students (e.g. engagement, attainment, personal development). 
• Strong collaboration with families, communities, and other professionals. 

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. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates  clear impact in breaking down barriers to inclusion for students and their families. 
• Uses advocacy, innovation, and leadership to influence positive change. 
• Inspires and engages others in the SEND community. 
• Evidence of long-term commitment and sustainability of impact. 

The Co-Production Initiative of the Year award celebrates outstanding projects that drive inclusivity through prioritise 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 

Criteria: 

• Can demonstrate an impactful involvement of children, young people, and their families. 
• Evidence of meaningful partnerships between different stakeholders. 
• Clear evidence of positive change resulting from co-production. 
• Innovative approaches to overcome barriers to true co-production. 

Sponsorship Available

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. 

Criteria: 

• Provides a welcoming and accessible environment. 
• Raises awareness and understanding of SEND. 
• Demonstrates positive impact on children, young people, and families. 
• Engages with the wider community to promote inclusion. 

Sponsorship Available

This award recognises organisations outside of the SEND sector that actively contribute resources, expertise, and financial support to promote inclusivity and improve the lives of children and young people with SEND. Celebrating their efforts to foster partnerships, raise awareness, and create positive change, this award acknowledges the significant impact corporate responsibility can have in driving forward the SEND agenda. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive employment or CSR initiatives. 
• Provides substantial support to SEND charities or communities. 
• Raises awareness and actively promotes inclusion. 
• Evidence of a meaningful and lasting impact. 

Sponsorship Available

The Early Years 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. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates an inclusive ethos that benefits all children. 
• Strong focus on early identification and tailored support. 
• Provides engaging, accessible learning environments. 
• Positive feedback from families and professionals. 

Sponsorship Available

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.  

Criteria: 

• Evidence proactivity in breaking down barriers to post-16 learning. 
• Provide clear tailored support that enables holistic student success. 
• Impact of strong transition pathways into employment, training, or higher education. 
• Evidence of a welcoming, inclusive culture where difference and diversity is celebrated. 

Sponsorship Available

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. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates innovation in breaking down barriers. 
• Positive impact on accessibility and inclusive practice. 
• Evidence of effectiveness through case studies or user feedback. 
• Sustainable and scalable solutions. 

Sponsorship Available

This award honours individuals or teams 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. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates a track record of strong leadership in promoting inclusion. 
• Evidences impact of creating a culture of high expectations and belonging for all students. 
• Influences policy, practice, or attitudes at a wider level. 
• Evidences a proven track record of positive outcomes. 

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. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates a whole-school commitment to inclusive practice raising outcomes for pupils with additional needs. 
• Evidences high-quality support for diverse learning needs. 
• Demonstrates a track record of positive impact on student engagement and well-being. 
• Strong collaboration with families and external professionals. 

Sponsorship Available

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. 

Criteria: 

• Provides practical, evidence-based support for educators. 
• Raises awareness and understanding of SEND. 
• Demonstrates originality and effectiveness. 
• Accessible and widely applicable across different settings. 

Sponsorship Available

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. 

Criteria: 

• Creates an inclusive learning culture. 
• Can evidence strong transition support between key stages and post-16. 
• Evidence of positive impact on outcomes for children with SEND. 
• Innovative approaches to supporting diverse learners. 

Sponsorship Available

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.

Criteria:

• Provides personalised learning and support.
• Strong engagement with families and professionals.
• Demonstrates a welcoming and empowering environment.
• Clear evidence of student progress and well-being.

Sponsorship Available

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.  

Criteria: 

• Nomination demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and dedication. 
• Evidences that the practitioner provides innovative and effective support strategies. 
• Strong impact on student well-being and success. 
• Recognised by colleagues, students, or families as making a difference. 

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 community. 

Criteria: 

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of diverse learners' needs. 
• Creates an engaging, accessible, and supportive learning environment. 
• Strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. 
• Clear evidence of impact on student progress and well-being. 

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. 

Criteria: 

• Provides high-quality, inclusive support before and/or after school or during school holidays. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to accessibility for all children and young people, including those with SEND. 
• Engages effectively with families and the wider community. 
• Evidence of positive impact on children's well-being, development, and learning. 

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. 

Criteria: 

• Nomination evidences advocacy, activism, or awareness-raising. 
• Track record of positive impact on the SEND community. 
• demonstrates leadership, creativity, or innovation in promoting inclusion. 
• Recognised as an inspiring role model.