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.
Understanding and analysing Qualification Achievement Rates
Tuesday 16 June 2026, 10:00am–12:00pmA new training on identifying how QARs affect your organisation and how to access your own data tables.
Built-in access
Wednesday 17 June 2026, 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.
10 practical steps to include more learners
Tuesday 23 June 2026, 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.
Practical advice and guidance on writing an effective SAR and QIP for SEND provision
Wednesday 24 June 2026, 3:45pm–5:00pmWant to know how best to document and celebrate our provision for learners with SEND by writing concise and evidence-rich text?
Lessening the load? Enabling sensory regulation for neurodivergent learners in SEND provision
Thursday 25 June 2026, 3:45pm–5:00pmAre you looking for strategies to support learners with sensory integration and how to avoid sensory ‘overload’?
Legal update on EHC plans, consultations, placements and LA relationships
Wednesday 1 July 2026, 2:30pm–3:30pmCome and hear an update from the law firm Stoke King on EHC plans, consultations, placements and LA relationships
What’s the climate like in your class? Understanding your SEMH students’ needs to provide appropriate strategies and support
Thursday 2 July 2026, 3:45pm–5:00pmDo you have the skills and strategies needed to de-escalate learners who are presenting as dysregulated?
Wales principals forum
Tuesday 7 July 2026, 10:00am–3:45pmAn all-day event designed specifically for principals and senior leaders of Natspec member organisations who support Welsh learners.
Digital Access – how aware are you? Skills and knowledge for effective delivery
Tuesday 7 July 2026, 3:45pm–5:00pmDo your staff have the skills required to support effective accessible technology? This Natspec-run session will discuss a competency framework for assistive technology training and signpost to resources to enhance […]
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
Wednesday 9 September 2026, 11:30am–1:00pmThis free session gives colleges the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ILR issues or queries to support accurate ILR returns.
Introduction to job coaching and workplace support
Tuesday 22 September 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmAn interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.
An introduction to learner voice work
Thursday 24 September 2026, 12:00pm–1:00pmJoin us in learning about the services and support Natspec offers its members and affiliates and get a taste for the work going on in the Learner Voice Network and Student Voice Parliament.
New to the ILR? Getting it right first time
Wednesday 30 September 2026, 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.
The ILR in practice
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10:00am–12:00pmAs a follow up to our “New to the ILR” workshop, here we look at the practical application of returning Individual Learner Records (ILR) and, importantly, the analysis of data checking, error reports and their resolution.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
Thursday 15 October 2026, 11:30am–1:00pmThis free session gives colleges the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ILR issues or queries to support accurate ILR returns.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process
Tuesday 20 October 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 10 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmInteractive 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 assuring specialist FE provision
Thursday 22 October 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Thursday 12 November 2026, 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.
Natspec principals forum
Tuesday 3 November 2026, 10:00am–4:00pmMembers only event designed specifically for principals and senior leaders.
Understanding and analysing Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR)
Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10:00am–12:00pmA new training on identifying how QARs affect your organisation and how to access your own data tables.
The high needs funding system
Tuesday 17 November 2026, 9:30am–12:30pmJoin us for this online training, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
Age appropriateness in post-16 SEND provision
Tuesday 24 November 2026, 10:00am–12:00pmA new training exploring the concept of ‘age appropriacy’ in the context of providing educational opportunities to learners with a complex need or PMLD label.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
Tuesday 24 November 2026, 11:30am–1:00pmThis free session gives colleges the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ILR issues or queries to support accurate ILR returns.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process
Wednesday 25 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Wednesday 9 December 2026, 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.
Improve your evaluative writing
Thursday 26 November 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmHands-on training supporting senior staff to improve the quality of their reports
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
Tuesday 1 December 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmA 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.