Upcoming training

Technology for learners with PMLD

Wednesday 11 November 2026, 1:00pm–3:30pm
Learn about the types of technology which can support learners with PMLD and how to effectively support their use with learners.

The high needs funding system

Tuesday 17 November 2026, 9:30am–12:30pm
Join us for this online training, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.

Introduction to job coaching and workplace support

Tuesday 17 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
An interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.

Age appropriateness in post-16 SEND provision

Tuesday 24 November 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
A new training exploring the concept of ‘age appropriacy’ in the context of providing educational opportunities to learners with a complex need or PMLD label.

Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process

Wednesday 25 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Wednesday 9 December 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
This training is for staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.

Access the world through a smartphone

Wednesday 25 November 2026, 1:00pm–3:30pm
This training will give staff the knowledge to help learners discover accessibility features and apps on phones which, in turn, should reduce people’s requirement for human assistance to support basic skills.

Improve your evaluative writing

Thursday 26 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
Hands-on training supporting senior staff to improve the quality of their reports

Leadership and governance in specialist colleges

Monday 30 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
Explore how effective leadership and governance can shape quality improvement in specialist colleges.

Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes

Tuesday 1 December 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
A workshop for job coaches, work experience coordinators, managers and other staff involved in developing relationships with employers to secure work placements for learners with SEND.

Unlocking accessibility: features in the technology you already have

Wednesday 2 December 2026, 1:00pm–3:30pm
Computers, tablets and phones have a wealth of accessibility options already built into the operating systems. All teaching and learning support staff should have an awareness of these features so they can remove barriers for learners.

Embedding learning: supporting learners with SEND to learn and remember more

Thursday 3 December 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Understand how working memory impacts upon learning and explore practical strategies to enable learners to succeed.

Leadership and governance in specialist colleges

Friday 4 December 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
Explore how effective leadership and governance can shape quality improvement in specialist colleges.

Include me – Learner Voice and advocacy

Tuesday 8 December 2026, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Understanding learner voice and advocacy. Strengthen learner voice and advocacy by exploring what authentic participation looks like, how learners can be supported to express their views, and how colleges can work collaboratively to ensure learners are genuinely heard throughout their journey as they prepare for adulthood.

Natspec Peer Exchange Week 2027

Monday 18 January 2027, 12:00am–11:59pm
A great opportunity for Natspec members and affiliates to share effective practice, learn from one another, and tackle challenges together.

Inclusion in practice

Tuesday 26 January 2027, 2:00pm–4:30pm
Explore inclusion in practice in specialist provisions covering culture, partnerships and use of data.

Inclusive teaching in specialist FE

Thursday 28 January 2027, 3:00pm–5:00pm
Gain an overview of key pedagogical considerations for enabling young adults with SEND in specialist provision to achieve their potential.

Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process

Tuesday 2 February 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Explore a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, effectively monitor their progress, and record their achievements.

Improve your evaluative writing

Wednesday 3 February 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Hands-on training for specialist FE colleges to improve the quality and impact of their evaluative writing.

Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16–25

Thursday 4 February 2027, 9:30am–12:30pm
Innovative and creative approaches to specialist curriculum design and implementation for learners with more complex needs.

Introduction to job coaching and workplace support

Tuesday 9 February 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Develop skills to support learners with SEND in the workplace, for job coaches and staff in other workplace support roles.

Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes

Tuesday 23 February 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Learn more about how to build links with employers and set up workplace opportunities for learners.

Curriculum and learner progress

Tuesday 23 February 2027, 2:00pm–4:30pm
Explore leadership of a high quality curriculum offer supporting positive learner outcomes.

Embedding learning: supporting learners with SEND to remember more

Wednesday 3 March 2027, 10:00am–12:00pm
Understand how working memory impacts upon learning and explore practical strategies to enable learners to succeed.

Age appropriateness in post-16 SEND provision

Tuesday 9 March 2027, 10:00am–12:00pm
An in-depth exploration of age appropriateness when working with learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities aged 16–25.

Quality assuring specialist FE provision

Thursday 11 March 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
This two part training will cover key considerations to support quality assurance in specialist provision supported by an effective quality cycle.

Specialist FE: essential information

Wednesday 17 March 2027, 9:30am–1:00pm
Essential training for anyone considering developing or who has recently opened a new provision for post-16 or post-19 learners with SEND.

A whole college approach to learner support: ‘Assess, Plan, Do, Review’

Tuesday 23 March 2027, 2:00pm–4:30pm
Explore the use of a graduated approach to support maximum learner independence.

The quality of teaching and learning

Tuesday 13 April 2027, 2:00pm–4:30pm
Explore oversight of the quality of teaching and learning and effective professional learning for staff.

The high needs funding system

Wednesday 28 April 2027, 9:30am–12:30pm
How does high needs funding work for FE providers? Learn about budgeting, contracting and fee negotiation.

Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16–25

Thursday 29 April 2027, 9:30am–12:30pm
Innovative and creative approaches to specialist curriculum design and implementation for learners with more complex needs.

Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process

Tuesday 4 May 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Explore a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, effectively monitor their progress, and record their achievements.

Introduction to job coaching and workplace support

Wednesday 5 May 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Develop skills to support learners with SEND in the workplace, for job coaches and staff in other workplace support roles.

Inclusive teaching in specialist FE

Thursday 6 May 2027, 3:00pm–5:00pm
Gain an overview of key pedagogical considerations for enabling young adults with SEND in specialist provision to achieve their potential.

Quality assuring specialist FE provision

Wednesday 12 May 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
This two part training will cover key considerations to support quality assurance in specialist provision supported by an effective quality cycle.

Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes

Tuesday 18 May 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
Learn more about how to build links with employers and set up workplace opportunities for learners.

Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process

Wednesday 9 June 2027, 10:00am–12:30pm
For staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.

Natspec National Conference 2027

Tuesday 15 June 2027, 12:00am–11:59pm
Bringing FE and SEND policy together, the 2027 Natspec National Conference is the biggest national event for professionals who work with high needs learners across the FE sector in England and Wales.