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.
Member discussion on Natspec response to SEND reform proposals
Tuesday 14 April 2026, 2:00pm–4:00pmAn opportunity for members to contribute to Natspec's organisational response to the consultation.
Introduction to job coaching
Tuesday 21 April 2026, 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.
Supporting learners’ Assistive Technology at all stages of their college journey
Tuesday 21 April 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmThis course focusses on key stages in a learner’s journey and highlights the appropriate support required for effective outcomes.
SEND leadership conference
Tuesday 21 April 2026, 10:00am–4:00pmThis conference is for current and previous delegates of our SEND leadership programme and will help delegates tackle upcoming challenges with SEND reform.
The high needs funding system
Tuesday 28 April 2026, 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.
Developing the PMLD curriculum for learners aged 16-25
Thursday 30 April 2026, 9:30am–12:30pm & Thursday 14 May 2026, 9:30amThis 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.
Assistive Technology for physical access
Thursday 30 April 2026, 1:00pm–3:30pmThere are an array of technological solutions for those with physical access needs. This training introduces some of them, explains how they interface with software options and how good assessment leads to enhanced outcomes.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process
Tuesday 5 May 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 19 May 2026, 10:00amAn 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.
Improve your evaluative writing
Thursday 7 May 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmHands-on training in improving the quality of your reports
Securing employer engagement for work based learning programmes
Tuesday 12 May 2026, 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.
Access the world through a smartphone
Wednesday 13 May 2026, 1:00pm–3:30pmThis 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.
New to the ILR? Getting it right first time
Thursday 14 May 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 20 May 2026, 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.
The ILR drop-in and Q&A session
Tuesday 2 June 2026, 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.
Quality assuring specialist FE provision
Thursday 4 June 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Thursday 18 June 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 National Conference 2026
Tuesday 9 June 2026, 12:00am–11:59pmThis year’s conference will focus on how specialist FE providers can support young people and unlock their potential through creativity and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
Natspec principals forum
Tuesday 3 November 2026, 10:00am–4:00pmMembers only event designed specifically for principals and senior leaders.