News

Guest blog by Tim Handley, Former Headteacher and now Chief Product & Technology Officer at Edu Intelligence on the impact of connecting data in special schools

DfE has issued updated guidance on the use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions in schools which is coming into force in April 2026. In this guest blog for NASS, Gemma Nicholas, Senior Associate at law firm RWK Goodman, outlines the key legal implications and practical considerations for specialist provision.

New statutory allergy guidance is coming in September 2026 and in this guest blog, The Allergy Team, which is co-producing the new guidance with the Government, explains what to expect and how schools can prepare

NASS special school leaders share their thoughts on this week's Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation

As the Government unveiled its SEND reforms today, we share our initial concerns about what’s missing and our views on a set of proposals where costs appear to drive decisions and where the vital role of special schools risks being sidelined. Here's our full response and our determination to stand up for the children, families and schools who deserve better.

NASS CEO expresses her exasperation about the growing disconnect between political messaging and the lived reality of children with SEND, their families and the schools that support them. When special schools become the target of blame for systemic failures, it diverts attention from the real issues and creates a genuine risk of children being left without the specialist placements they need.

Quorn Hall School was a 2025 NASS Award finalist in the Innovation category for its pioneering use of the HoNOSCA mental health framework to deepen understanding of pupil needs and transform whole-school practice. In this guest blog, Anna Fitzpatrick, Deputy Headteacher and Head of Therapy, shares her reflections on how a therapeutic, evidence-led approach is helping students truly thrive.

A guest blog from NASS Partner Therapeutic Thinking reflecting on why prioritising relationships and wellbeing in special education has never been more important.

Wings School Notts won the 2025 NASS Award for Breaking Barriers to Inclusion. In this article, Adam Bailey, Assistant Head of Education and PE teacher, shares how the school achieved this transformation and the impact it’s having on students’ confidence, participation and sense of belonging.

Special schools work in uniquely complex environments, and this guest blog from NASS partner Access Insurance Services offers a helpful overview of how the risk and insurance landscape is shifting as we move through 2026.

We’re proud to be an official partner of the Schools & Academies Show, taking place at the Excel, London on 7th May