Today, we are delighted to announce the winners of our 2023 Natspec Innovation Awards.
These awards recognise and celebrate innovative practice in the specialist further education sector. They shine a light on initiatives that have clearly resulted in improved outcomes for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Our six winners were celebrated in a vibrant online ceremony, packed with students and staff from shortlisted colleges. We’re also looking forward to welcoming them to Natspec’s National Conference on 13 June, where we’ll be awarding them with their trophies.
Clare Howard, Natspec’s Chief Executive, said:
The level of innovation and commitment to delivering the very best for learners that has been demonstrated by our award winners makes me truly proud to be a part of the specialist college sector.
During such straightened times, after the specialist post-16 sector has already faced years of underfunding, it is inspiring that our member colleges are not just making do but are brimming with new ideas and practices.
We decided to revamp the Natspec Awards this year to highlight and encourage innovative practice. Staff taking that extra step and having that moment of inspiration can have a life-changing effect on the most vulnerable learners.
We look forward to seeing what other brilliant ideas colleges put forward for next year’s awards.
Nigel Evans, Chair of judging panel, commented:
We received a huge range of applications. It was great to see the expertise that we know is out there in the sector.
We did have some really difficult decisions to make. There was a huge diversity of projects this year which covered all aspects of provision.
Without exception, the projects will make a huge difference, not just to the young people but across the country.
Congratulations to all the winning colleges!
The winners
Curriculum innovation
Shortlist:
Hedleys College: Police Cadets
Linkage College: The Discovery Suite
The Orpheus Centre: Where’s Our Jobs?
Treloar College: Becoming an Employer
Winner: Hedleys College
Innovative approach to mental health and wellbeing
Shortlist:
Catcote Futures: Sensory Forest Bathing
Derwen College: Hearing Project – ensuring that hearing issues aren’t a barrier for learning
Inclusion College: Creative Arts
Portland College: Be Healthy, Active and Courageous – Phase 2
Winner: Catcote Futures
This award is sponsored by AssuredPartners Hettle Andrews.
Innovative routes into employment
Shortlist:
The Hive College: Traineeships at The Hive
The Oaks Specialist College: ‘Love That’ Pop up shop
Winner: The Hive College
Innovative use of technology
Shortlist:
Aurora Boveridge College: Techno English
National Star College: Pioneering new therapy technology to maximise functional movement
Portland College: Developing Independence through Maples SMARTHome
Treloar College: Enabling physically disabled people to explore their sexuality and sexual pleasure.
Winner: Portland College
This award is sponsored by teamSOS.
Innovative partnership working
Shortlist:
Aurora Boveridge College: Beyond Boveridge
Coleg Elidyr: Partnership Working for Skills Success
Derwen College: Derwen College – focus on Rocking Horse Media partnership
Orchard Hill College: Live, Life Local – enabling young people with complex needs to access local main stream provisions
Winner: Derwen College
This award is sponsored by Innovation Broking.
Innovation in student voice
Shortlist:
Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College: Self-advocacy, active citizenship and community inclusion for independence in adulthood
LEAP College: Introduction to student voice clubs
Nash College: The Nash College Student Advocacy Council
The Orpheus Centre: Nothing about us without us
Winner: Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College
This award is sponsored by Peridot Partners.
Innovator of the year
This year we awarded ‘Innovator of the Year’ to the winning entry we thought particularly excelled in innovation. In 2023 this went to Hedleys College.
