National Association of Independent & Non-Maintained Special Schools

Welcome to NASS

The National Association of Special Schools

NASS is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We provide support, advice, information, events, training and a strong national voice.

We’re a growing community of over 500 schools and organisations, and welcome every type of special school – independent, special academies, multi-academy trusts with special schools, non-maintained, and maintained special schools.

We work in close partnership with our members, other SEND organisations, and with central and local government, providing insight, information and influence to help shape the future of special education. NASS champions high-quality, specialist provision within a modern, inclusive education system that respects the choices of children, young people and their families.

Read our latest news

From Mental Health to Social and Emotional – what difference does it make?

NASS CEO, Claire Dorer, reflects on a proposal in the SEND Reforms consultation that could signal the end of a 12-year categorising of ‘Mental Health Needs’ as a distinct category of SEND, and a return to ‘Social and Emotional Needs’ within the SEND Code of Practice and proposed Specialist Provision Packages.

How can a trauma-informed approach in special schools support the diverse and complex needs of learners?

In this guest blog, Julie Harmieson from TISCUK outlines how trauma-informed practice can be embedded across special school settings to better understand behaviour, support regulation and create environments where both learners and staff can thrive.