Blog posts listing

Amanda Wright speaking at nasen LIVE 2026

From the ground up: teachers as producers of knowledge, with Amanda Wright and Patrick Carmichael

August 2026

Amanda Wright's message at nasen Live was teachers aren't just receivers of policy. They're producers of knowledge - and change starts there.

Matt McArthur presenting at nasen LIVE 2026

Shared expertise, stronger schools: Matt McArthur on specialist-mainstream collaboration

August 2026

"Inclusion is not a destination we reach alone." Matt McArthur on specialist-mainstream collaboration and shared expertise.

Teacher and children have fun learning with a tablet computer in the day care centre

Race, SEND and intersectionality: Jason Selormey

July 2026

At nasen LIVE 2026, Jason Selormey shared research on race, SEND and intersectionality, asking who gets identified, who gets believed, and why being part of the SEND community doesn't exempt anyone from racism.

Navigating the SEND landscape, with Erica Wolstenholme

July 2026

The SEND landscape is shifting fast. At nasen LIVE 2026, Erica Wolstenholme mapped what's changing, what's driving reform, and why teacher confidence is the real barrier. Because engagement isn't the goal. Impact in the classroom is.

From transition to transformation: Dawn Cranshaw on what really helps young people thrive

July 2026

Transition isn't an event, it's a life skill. At nasen LIVE 2026, Dawn Cranshaw asked whether your transition programme is a barrier or a bridge.

Group of 3 primary school age children enthusiastically putting their hand up sat around a classroom desk

Inclusion bases in schools: what the new guidance gets right and what schools need to think about now

July 2026

New DfE guidance on inclusion bases is finally here, but schools haven't been waiting for it. Amanda Wright reflects on what it gets right, the quiet risk of care outpacing education, and why an inclusive mainstream offer has to come first.

Leading with Purpose in a Time of SEND Reform

June 2026

In response to the proposed SEND reforms, National Coordinator, Alison Betts, reflects on the uncertainty many schools and colleges are navigating, while recognising the strong inclusive practice already taking place across the sector.

Group having CPDL training session

Planning INSET Days: Reflections, Resources, and the Rhythm of September

August 2025

National Coordinator, Alison Betts, on the importance of continuing professional development and how Whole School SEND can take some of the strain out of planning these days for your teams.

Curriculum and Assessment Review

March 2025

It's been a few weeks since the publication of the Interim Report from the Curriculum and Assessment Review. In this bog, we share some mid-point recommendations which we think are crucial to achieving genuinely equitable and inclusive reforms

Primary students run together

The importance of Transitions in Primary Settings

March 2025

Here, we explore how understanding these transitions and implementing effective strategies can make a significant difference in helping all learners feel secure and confident in their educational journey.

Young child sat at a desk with a board and pen being supported by a female support staff

The Role of Memory in Learning

March 2025

You can think of working memory as a mental notebook, where we hold information for a short period of time while we carry out other relevant mental activities.

image shows children in a classroom

The Curriculum and Assessment Review

November 2024

The Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review is a once in a lifetime opportunity to influence the evolution of an education system that works for all young learners

image shows children in a classroom

The importance of identifying and supporting speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in learners

October 2024

Speech, language, and communication skills are fundamental to a child’s development, impacting not only academic success but also social skills, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.

Male teacher writing on a white board in front of primary school children

An introduction to teaching learners with physical needs

September 2024

In this blog, we take a look at some of the key areas to consider in your practice when working with learners who have additional physical needs.

young person with downs syndrome smiling at a laptop alongside adult woman

EMBRACING INCLUSION: How mainstream school can and should be for everyone

September 2024

Here, we explore the theme of supporting learners with Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities in the mainstream classroom and consider how inclusion done well reaps rewards for everyone…

A hand-drawn picture in crayon, alongside the title of this blog.

Person-Centred Working - Listening to and working with learners and their families

A Person Centred approach allows young people a voice in the decisions made about their support. Done well, it empowers, fosters confidence and promotes independence. Caroline Sutton-Reid explores...

A picture of Tanzie at work in H&M

Great Preparation for Adulthood: Tanzie's road to independence

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nasen and whole school send logos [green text that reads 'nasen' above grey text that reads 'helping everyone achieve' on the left is black text that reads 'Whole School' and green text that reads 'SEND']

Smooth transitions: how careful planning can ease the introduction to work for young people with SEND

A smooth transition out of education is essential for preparing students for the demands of the professional world and coping with the many new experiences and expectations they will be faced with. Amanda Wright explores ways in which we can help.

nasen and whole school send logos [green text that reads 'nasen' above grey text that reads 'helping everyone achieve' on the left is black text that reads 'Whole School' and green text that reads 'SEND']

Action Research and Lesson Study for ISEND

Half way through this exciting research project - part of the Universal SEND Services programme, funded by DfE and delivered by the University of Derby, Dr Geraldene Codina, reflects on the progress already being celebrated.

children in a classroom

The BIG Idea for SEND Project: Ania Hildrey – Headteacher, Abbot’s Lea School in Liverpool

We are excited about the next phase of the project and we know that, if there ever is an option of working on another idea (big idea in SEND, or other), we would be very keen to partner with the Sea View Trust and the Research School again.