Below is a list of all Natspec events which offer staff development opportunities. Members may also want to check out our member networks as well as our member only events. For a comprehensive list of all Natspec events, including events we hold for students, please see the events calendar.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis 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.
Dictation and voice commands (webinar)
Tuesday 25 February 2025, 1:00pm–1:30pmA webinar about the key solutions for voice input and commands.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session two)
Wednesday 26 February 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmLearn how to build a rounded, accurate picture of the quality of provision with different quality assurance activities. This two-part training gives you a chance to put theory into practice and reflect on what works for your provision.
Technology for learners with PMLD
Thursday 27 February 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmLearn about the types of technology which can support learners with PMLD and how to effectively support their use with learners.
Assessing learning – how can we be creative in assessing what learners can remember
Thursday 27 February 2025, 3:45pm–4:45pmThis free session is part of our good practice in teaching and learning that enables learners with SEND to retain and embed knowledge and skills community of practice. We will be focusing on how assessment can be used creatively to support learners with SEND to remember and learn more over time. This includes strategies for giving feedback that enables learners to understand and plan for their next steps.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
Tuesday 4 March 2025, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 18 March 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
SEND Tribunal: what to expect at tribunal hearings
Tuesday 4 March 2025, 2:00pm–4:00pmAn expert information on what your college needs to prepare for and attend SEND tribunals.
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
Thursday 6 March 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis event is for job coaches, work experience coordinators, managers and other staff involved in developing relationships with employers to secure work placements for learners with SEND.
Quality event: Developing and implementing an ambitious college curriculum
Thursday 6 March 2025, 10:00am–4:00pmThe Natspec quality event, for Natspec members and affiliates, gives attendees an opportunity to focus on the quality of their provision.
Improve your evaluative writing
Tuesday 11 March 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmA new training intended for senior members of staff in specialist and mainstream provision with responsibility for quality assuring SEND provision.
Specialist FE: essential information
Wednesday 12 March 2025, 12:00am–11:59pmNew to specialist post-16 further education? This event will guide you through aspects of the sector and give you advice and guidance to ensure quality provision.
Assistive Technology for Physical Access
Thursday 13 March 2025, 1:00pm–3:30pmThis workshop introduces delegates to technologies which will enable learners to access desktop and laptop computers, tablets and phones.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session two)
Tuesday 18 March 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Microsoft Accessibility (webinar)
Tuesday 25 March 2025, 1:00pm–1:30pmJoin us discovering Microsoft's accessibility features in different areas!
Access the world through a mobile phone
Thursday 3 April 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis course 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 support to support basic skills.
The high needs funding system
Tuesday 29 April 2025, 9:30am–12:30pmJoin us for this online course, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
Introduction to job coaching
Tuesday 29 April 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis is an interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.
Google Accessibility (webinar)
Tuesday 29 April 2025, 1:00pm–1:30pmJoin us in discovering Google accessibility features through a chrome browser!
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session one)
Tuesday 6 May 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmLearn how to build a rounded, accurate picture of the quality of provision with different quality assurance activities. This two-part training gives you a chance to put theory into practice and reflect on what works for your provision.
10 practical steps to include more learners
Tuesday 6 May 2025, 1:00pm–3:30pmJoin one of our Assistive Technologists to discuss ten quick fire topics covering a wide range of assistive hardware, software and techniques.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
Thursday 8 May 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Understanding Ofsted inspection (in-person event)
Wednesday 14 May 2025, 10:00am–4:00pmAt this in-person event, Ofsted HMI Maria Navarro will be talking to Natspec member colleges about what to expect from inspection under the Education Inspection Framework.
New to the ILR? Getting it right first time
Wednesday 14 May 2025, 10:00am–12:00pmThis training is aimed at staff who have little or no experience of creating or returning Individual Learner Records (ILR) and require an introduction to the basics.
Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16-25 (session one)
Thursday 15 May 2025, 9:30am–12:30pmThis is a course for managers who want to develop a PMLD curriculum that supports good quality of life outcomes through focusing on person centred approaches and preparation for adulthood.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session two)
Tuesday 20 May 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmLearn how to build a rounded, accurate picture of the quality of provision with different quality assurance activities. This two-part training gives you a chance to put theory into practice and reflect on what works for your provision.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
Tuesday 20 May 2025, 11:30am–1:00pmThis session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
The ILR in practice
Wednesday 21 May 2025, 10:00am–12:00pmAs a follow up to our “New to the ILR” workshop, we look here at a practical application of the cycle of returning Individual Learner Records (ILR), and importantly the analysis of data checking, error reports and their resolution.
Understanding Ofsted inspection (online event)
Thursday 22 May 2025, 9:30am–12:30pmAt this online event, Ofsted HMI Maria Navarro will be talking to Natspec member colleges about what to expect from inspection under the Education Inspection Framework.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session two)
Thursday 22 May 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session one)
Wednesday 4 June 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis 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.
Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16-25 (session two)
Thursday 5 June 2025, 9:30am–12:30pmThis is a course for managers who want to develop a PMLD curriculum that supports good quality of life outcomes through focusing on person centred approaches and preparation for adulthood.
Built-in access
Tuesday 10 June 2025, 1:00pm–3:30pmComputers, 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.
Natspec National Conference 2025
Tuesday 17 June 2025, 12:00am–11:59pmJoin us at the Natspec National Conference 2025!
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
Tuesday 24 June 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis event is for job coaches, work experience coordinators, managers and other staff involved in developing relationships with employers to secure work placements for learners with SEND.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
Wednesday 25 June 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis 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.
Supporting learners’ Assistive Technology at all stages of their college journey
Thursday 26 June 2025, 1:00pm–3:30pmThis course focusses on key stages in a learner’s journey and highlights the appropriate support required for effective outcomes.
The high needs funding system
Tuesday 1 July 2025, 9:30am–12:30pmJoin us for this online course, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
