We are delighted to announce the election of three new trustees from our membership to the NASS Council:
- Dan Tresman, CEO, Light Years Education
- Lisa Bond, Head of School, Treloar's
- Simone Hopkins. Executive Principal, St Piers School and College
Their passion, expertise and commitment to the special education sector will be invaluable in supporting our vision for all non local authority special schools to be centres of excellence, delivering and evidencing the best possible outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
On his successful election, Dan Tresman shared why becoming a trustee is important to him and emphasised the need to continue celebrating the extraordinary work happening every day in special schools:
"I wanted to become a NASS Trustee because I truly believe in NASS values and mission. In a forever changing and dynamic world of education, the work of NASS is becoming increasingly important and to be able to support their journey is a privilege. With many changes on the horizon, I feel safe and secure knowing that NASS has a voice around the table representing special schools on a national scale. We may be in a 'SEND crisis', and there are undoubtably many challenges ahead, but we must also not forget all of the wonderful moments happening in our schools every day, making profound differences to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. I am so proud to be part of this exciting journey".
Lisa Bond emphasised her passion for promoting peer support and partnership across NASS schools:
"I passionately believe that NASS schools should always be striving to offer the very best in education. I feel NASS schools have a wealth of experience and resources that can and should be further unlocked to strengthen and promote our sector. With more changes in inspection and education frameworks, I am keen to support and further promote peer support and partnerships through NASS to ensure schools maintain their focus on their own personal ‘why’".
Reflecting on her election as a NASS trustee, Simone Hopkins shared her aspirations for fostering collaboration and championing inclusive practices across the SEND community:
"I have served for 21 years as a Principal in the maintained sector, working in areas of deprivation. In my new role, my mission is to foster stronger collaboration between local authorities and the independent and non-maintained special school sector. As a new trustee, my aim is to help support NASS and its school community in coming together to develop a fully inclusive vision that strengthens the National SEND Agenda. This vision should be shaped by the voices of those who understand, operate and advocate for the best possible services and outcomes for children. I am a realistic and pragmatic driver of change, and I firmly believe that with relentless hope and ambition, we can make a huge difference!"
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Find out more about the NASS Council and our trustees: https://www.nasschools.org.uk/about-nass/meet-the-trustees/