National Conference
2 and 3 April 2019 at Jurys Inn, Hinckley Island, Leicester
The Natspec National Conference was attended by over 200 delegates from organisations including colleges and independent providers which offer specialist provision for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
The Natspec conference is open to all members and non members.
The theme for the conference was High Needs, High Aspirations – looking at ways to meet needs in increasing challenging times, whilst also stretching the boundaries, raising expectations, having high aspirations for students and showcasing expertise and excellence in our colleges.
Download the programme and workshop information.
Download the presentations from Day 1 and 2 below.
Day 1
Keynotes
Keynote 1 – The wider perspective – Schools Claire Dorer, NASS
Keynote 1 – The wider perspective – Parents Sherann Hillman, NNPCF
Keynote 2 – SEND and the law Ali Fiddy, IPSEA
Keynote 2 – Policy update Clare Howard & Ruth Perry, Natspec
Workshops
Workshop 1 & 8 – How can specialist providers demonstrate value for money? Davina Jones
Workshop 2 & 9 – Assistive technology assessment Fil McIntyre & Neil Beck
Workshop 3 & 10 – Recruiting and retaining staff in the specialist sector Sam Munkley
Workshop 4 & 11 – Maximising employment outcomes Kim Everton & Julie Pallister
Workshop 6 & 13 – Embedding competition activity into the vocational curriculum Louise Keevil
Workshop 7 & 14 – SEND and the law: understanding the rights of young people and families Ali Fiddy
Download the presentations from Day 2 below.
Day 2
Keynotes
Keynote 3 – The finest evidence-based practice Martin McLean, NDCS
Keynote 3 – The finest evidence-based practice Dr James Cusack, Autistica
Keynote 4 – Ofsted Suzanne Wainwright HMI, Ofsted
Closing Remarks Clare Howard, Natspec
Workshops
Workshop 15 & 22 – Approaches to developing and maintaining staff expertise Dr Joyce Deere
Workshop 16 & 23 – Strong governance for specialist post-16 providers Ruth Thomas
Workshop 17 & 24 – The place of national/regional providers in a changing landscape Kathryn Rudd
Workshop 19 & 26 – Introducing RARPA to your staff Pete Vickers
Workshop 21 & 28 – Working in strategic partnership with local authorities Ellen Atkinson
