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Publications

NASS regularly publishes papers, articles and commentary on issues, policies and changes impacting the special school sector.

NASS members can access a wider library of papers and information through the member zone but here are some publications available to everyone.

Spring SEND policy digest
Navigating SEND policy: NASS spring term digest

Welcome to NASS’s summary of major SEND policy news and announcements over the past term. It’s certainly been a lively time for speculation about SEND, even if we don’t have anything confirmed yet about major policy changes. We cover:

> Education Committee Inquiry: Solving the SEND crisis
> Government's plans for a new SEND white paper
> Ofsted consultation on its educations inspection framework
> Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill
> Interim report on the Curriculum and Assessment Review
> Government announcement on grant funding to schools to support increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions

March 2025

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NASS 2024 Impact Report
Belong here: Our 2024 Impact Report

We’re incredibly proud to support our special school community and 2024 was another impactful year!

‘Belong Here: Our 2024 Impact Report’ showcases our key achievements and ongoing commitment to informing, recognising, and representing special schools across England and Wales. With a strong voice for the sector, expert support and advice, and high-quality events and training, we continue to make a difference.

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MP briefing: Issues and concerns VAT on ‘private schools’ raises for special schools funded by local authority-made placements

Independent special schools have been included in the proposal to remove the exemption for VAT on education from 1st January 2025. This means that despite having their placements funded through the public purse, via local authorities, our member schools will have to register for and charge VAT on placements.

We are keen that the specific issues for independent special schools are represented and understood. NASS sent a briefing to MPs that outlines the issues of concern and the key questions for consideration.

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As part of our manifesto follow-up programme, we have published a series of six parliamentary briefings with each one reflecting one of the six key actions from our manifesto.
NASS parliamentary briefings

A series of six parliamentary briefings reflecting the six key actions we set out in our NASS manifesto for special schools - Removing Barriers to build a better SEND system.

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Removing Barriers

Our NASS manifesto for special schools calls on the next government to take 6 swift actions to remove barriers and build a better SEND system.

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Belong here: Our 2023 Impact Report
Belong here: Our 2023 Impact Report

Our Impact Report sets out our key achievements for the past year and ongoing commitment to ensuring that NASS membership adds value to our members.

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WST NASS Thought Piece 2024
Working Stronger Together: Exploring the current and possible future relationship between the state and Independent Special Schools.

Full report

A NASS thought piece in response to the SEND and AP Improvement Plan statement to re-examine the state’s relationship with Independent Special Schools.

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Executive Summary WST 2024
Working Stronger Together: Exploring the current and possible future relationship between the state and Independent Special Schools.

Executive summary

A NASS thought piece in response to the SEND and AP Improvement Plan statement to re-examine the state’s relationship with Independent Special Schools.

Download
Public Law advice on fees for children with EHC plans placed by local authorities in special schools

In December 2023, NASS took legal advice from counsel to better understand the law as it applies to the setting and payment of fees for children and young people with EHC Plans who are placed in special schools.

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Public Law advice: Notes and Key Points

Please note, this summary provides the key points of our detailed legal advice.

It is not a substitute for reading the advice in full and should not be relied on as legal advice in its own right.

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Reaching my potential

Full report

The value of SEND provision demonstrated through learners’ stories

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Reaching my potential

Executive summary

The value of SEND provision demonstrated through learners' stories

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Reaching my potential

At A Glance

The value of SEND provision demonstrated through learners' stories

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Sleep Wise App

NASS has partnered with leading UK sleep experts, Hunrosa, to create the Sleep Wise app.

It is aimed at school staff as well as parents and carers. It helps assess whether a child might have a sleep problem through a series of questions and a sleep diary. It then offers a tailored ‘sleep plan’ with suggestions of activities to try.

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SEND Innovation: The NASS SEND Incubator

In 2021 we set up the NASS SEND Incubator, in partnership with the Young Foundation, to develop, evidence and share new ways of improving education for children with SEND.

We worked with nine NASS schools who had emerging evidence of positive impact for their
learners from their innovative approaches.

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SEND Innovation: A quick guide to getting started

Tools and tips for developing and sharing innovative approaches for children and young people with SEND.

A guide developed by NASS with support from the Young Foundation.

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