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.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
11 September 2024This session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
10 steps to improve your Assistive Technology
17 September 2024Do you want to increase the ways in which technology can support learners’ independence and study? This live session will cover ten ways to improve the delivery of technology solutions for learners with SEND. The session is facilitated by one of Natspec’s expert Assistive Technologists and will move through ten quick-fire topics to cover a range of assistive technology support practices.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
24 September 2024An 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.
Lightkey text prediction software (webinar)
24 September 2024Join us to explore how Lightkey, a text prediction software, can support educational institutions and students with disabilities.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session one)
26 September 2024Learn 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.
Supporting learners’ Assistive Technology at all stages of their college journey
26 September 2024This course focusses on key stages in a learner’s journey and highlights the appropriate support required for effective outcomes.
Teaching and learning strategies to enable SEND learners to remember and learn more over time
26 September 2024This session, facilitated by Natspec, will cover the challenges faced by many SEND learners to acquire new knowledge and skills and how practitioners can plan teaching and learning activities that enable successful use of the working memory.
An introduction to learner voice work
27 September 2024Let's join us in learning about the services and support Natspec offers its members and get a taste for the work going on in the Learner Voice Network and Student Voice Parliament.
ESFA funding audit training
30 September 2024Natspec members come join us at this free training session where ESFA audit expert, Keith Standing, will explain and answer any questions related to ESFA audit and how to work with your auditors.
Introduction to job coaching
1 October 2024This is an interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.
New to the ILR? Getting it right first time
2 October 2024This 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)
3 October 2024This 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.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session two)
8 October 2024An 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.
Built-in access
8 October 2024Computers, 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.
Practical strategies for motivating and engaging learners with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and LLD
8 October 2024This free session, facilitated by Natspec, will focus on developing good practice in relation to mental health support and services.
The ILR in practice
9 October 2024As 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.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session two)
10 October 2024Learn 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
15 October 2024This session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
Understanding your students, their experiences and successes
15 October 2024This free session is part of our Mental health and SEND - Practical strategies for creating an inclusive environment for learners with Autism and mental health needs community of practice and will focus on the experiences of young people and how this affects their ability to engage in the college setting.
Natspec principals forum
16 October 2024This free, members-only event is designed specifically for principals of Natspec member organisations, or their designated representatives.
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
16 October 2024This 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.
Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16-25 (session two)
17 October 2024This 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.
Technology for learners with PMLD
31 October 2024Learn 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
5 November 2024Join us for this online course, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
Assistive Technology for physical access
5 November 2024This workshop introduces delegates to technologies which will enable learners to access desktop and laptop computers, tablets and phones.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session one)
7 November 2024This 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.
Good practice in implementing the Gatsby Benchmarks
12 November 2024A lunch time webinar with Diane Ainsworth providing an overview of the SEND Gatsby Benchmarks.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
13 November 2024An 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.
Introduction to job coaching
19 November 2024This is an interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.
TechAbility Conference 2024
21 November 2024TechAbility Conference returns, this time in Leeds, for a packed day of exciting and thought-provoking content.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
21 November 2024This 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 mobile phone
28 November 2024This 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 ILR drop-in and Q&A session
28 November 2024This session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session two)
4 December 2024An 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.
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
5 December 2024This 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.
10 practical steps to include more learners
5 December 2024Join one of our Assistive Technologists to discuss ten quick fire topics covering a wide range of assistive hardware, software and techniques.
New to the ILR? Getting it right first time
15 January 2025This 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.
Natspec Peer Exchange Week
20 January 2025A great opportunity for Natspec members to share effective practice, learn from one another and tackle challenges together.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session one)
28 January 2025This 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.
The ILR in practice
28 January 2025As 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.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
29 January 2025This session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16-25 (session one)
30 January 2025This 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.
Introduction to job coaching
4 February 2025This is an interactive workshop for staff supporting students with SEND in the workplace, including learning support assistants, tutors, teachers, and other support roles.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session one)
5 February 2025Learn 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.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
11 February 2025This 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)
13 February 2025This 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)
26 February 2025Learn 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.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
4 March 2025An 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.
Natspec quality event
6 March 2025Details will be available nearer the time. X Members only content This content is for Natspec members only. Please log in to access it. Username or Email Address Password Remember […]
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
6 March 2025This 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.
Specialist FE: essential information
12 March 2025New 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.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session two)
18 March 2025An 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.
The high needs funding system
29 April 2025Join us for this online course, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision (session one)
6 May 2025Learn 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.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process (session one)
8 May 2025An 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)
14 May 2025At 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
14 May 2025This 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)
15 May 2025This 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)
20 May 2025Learn 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 in practice
21 May 2025As 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)
22 May 2025At 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)
22 May 2025An 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.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
3 June 2025This session gives colleagues the opportunity to ask and discuss ILR related issues or queries, especially in advance of upcoming data returns.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session one)
4 June 2025This 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)
5 June 2025This 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.
Natspec National Conference 2025
17 June 2025Join us at the Natspec National Conference 2025!
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
25 June 2025This 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.
The high needs funding system
1 July 2025Join us for this online course, aimed at anyone who needs to know and understand how high needs funding works for FE providers.
