@Natspec

Natspec represents 140+ colleges from across the UK which offer specialist education and training for young people with learning difficulties & disabilities.

natspec.org.uk/
Joined November 2012
  • Tweets6.5K
  • Following538
  • Followers2.4K
1.2KMedia
Today, we're attending the @Natspec National Conference. If you're here, come to Stall 7 where we're providing insights and demonstrations into the power that #DigitalAccessibility can achieve in #education. We look forward to seeing you! #Accessibility #NatspecConference26 #SEN
A white disabled young male is in a wheelchair using a laptop and smiling towards the camera in a classroom. Text reads “Natspec National Conference 2026. Visit The HeX Productions Stall between 09-10 June 2026 for: Free accessibility website tests, Top digital accessibility advice, Inclusive content creation, Interactive VR empathy lab experience, Insights on ways to boost intake, and online visibility.”

ALT A white disabled young male is in a wheelchair using a laptop and smiling towards the camera in a classroom. Text reads “Natspec National Conference 2026. Visit The HeX Productions Stall between 09-10 June 2026 for: Free accessibility website tests, Top digital accessibility advice, Inclusive content creation, Interactive VR empathy lab experience, Insights on ways to boost intake, and online visibility.”

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Day 1 at the @Natspec National Conference 2026! If you’re attending, come and meet Paul Leahy and Barrington Rowe to discover how you can utilise our immersive VR technology. We’re looking forward to some fantastic conversations throughout the day!
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Specialist FE colleges are ready to step up to the challenge of becoming ‘a vital collaborative force at the heart of an inclusive education system’. But govt must be careful not to put unnecessary barriers in their way. natspec.org.uk/what-do-the-s…

What do the SEND reform proposals mean for specialist Further Education? - Natspec

While we're cautiously optimistic about the proposed SEND reforms, the devil will be in the detail for specialist FE

natspec.org.uk
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We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Natspec Innovation Awards! The shortlisted projects showcase an impressive range of inspiring initiative within specialist colleges. Congratulations to all shortlisted! natspec.org.uk/announcing-th…

Announcing the shortlist for the 2026 Natspec Innovation Awards - Natspec

Celebrating innovative, inspiring practice in specialist FE.

natspec.org.uk
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The DfE has published the Schools White Paper and SEND reform proposals, outlining a shift towards mainstream inclusion and changes to how specialist provision fits into the system. It will take time to absorb the detail - here’s our initial response. natspec.org.uk/natspec-respo…
Natspec responds to proposed reforms to SEND system. Image of Natspec CEO Clare Howard with quote "The reforms must recognise the distinct context of FE and address longstanding funding inequities. Critically, we need to ensure that 16 to 25-year-olds have access to high quality provision, including specialist placements, to meet their individual needs."

ALT Natspec responds to proposed reforms to SEND system. Image of Natspec CEO Clare Howard with quote "The reforms must recognise the distinct context of FE and address longstanding funding inequities. Critically, we need to ensure that 16 to 25-year-olds have access to high quality provision, including specialist placements, to meet their individual needs."

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After a w/e of further revelations, publication of the schools white paper is likely to include few surprises. We’ve heard little so far though about the valuable role of specialist settings.🤞specialist colleges will be recognised as an essential part of an inclusive FE system.
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Young people with SEND are over-represented in the NEET cohort, through no fault of their own. Our response to @DWPgovuk's NEET review stresses that we won’t fix the NEET problem without improving the SEND system. natspec.org.uk/policy/consul…

Consultation responses - Natspec

Our consultation responses set out in detail specific proposals made to UK and Welsh government in relation to specific aspects of current or planned government policy / reform.

natspec.org.uk
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Delighted to see @cefincampbell at Coleg Elidyr showing his support for specialist FE. It may be a couple of months after the campaign, but #thepowerofspecialistFE doesn't let up!
Elidyr Communities Trust@ColegElidyrFeb 5
Today we had a visit by Cefin Campbell, Senedd member for Mid & West Wales. Cefin particularly wanted to see our Welsh language provision, meet some of our World Skills finalists, and lend support to the Natspec "Specialist FE works for me" campaign.
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Have a read of Natspec's response to the government's £200 million SEND teacher training programme. #SEND #SpecialistFE #EducationPolicy natspec.org.uk/natspec-respo…

Natspec response to SEND training announcement - Natspec

£200 million investment goes to upskilling education workforce.

natspec.org.uk
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“For many young people, specialist FE is the first place where education truly works. But without regulatory recognition, equitable funding and a workforce plan, we risk failing those who need it most.” Our chair explaining why #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE campaign is needed.
FE Week@FEWeek11 Dec 2025
'We are viewed as independent or exclusive, which creates barriers' Ben Bastin, @Natspec on the transformative power of specialist FE feweek.co.uk/specialist-coll…

Specialist colleges change lives but are invisible in policy

For many young people, specialist FE is the first place education truly works

feweek.co.uk
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Really enjoyed being back at Victoria College Northfield for #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE week. The staff & trustees provide an essential service that improves life chances for young people across Birmingham & the West Mids. I'm glad we're making progress on funding in Parliament. – at Birmingham, England
Photo of a group of students getting a ball across a raised sheet.

ALT Photo of a group of students getting a ball across a raised sheet.

'No conversation about me, without me.'

ALT 'No conversation about me, without me.'

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We’re thrilled to share a proud moment for our Nido Volans centre in Lambeth! 🎉 After visiting us recently, Helen Hayes MP spoke about our work directly in the House of Commons, highlighting the dedication of our staff and the incredible achievements of our pupils. 💛 A huge thank you to Helen Hayes for recognising the importance of inclusive education and the vital role our College plays in our community. Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. 🌟 #FE #PowerofSpecialistFE
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Thanks @larry_turner for your continuing support for the specialist FE sector. Looking forward to working together over the coming months to ensure settings like Victoria College get the support and investment they deserve.
Laurence Turner@larry_turner4 Dec 2025
Really enjoyed being back at Victoria College Northfield for #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE week. The staff & trustees provide an essential service that improves life chances for young people across Birmingham & the West Mids. I'm glad we're making progress on funding in Parliament.
Photo of a group of students getting a ball across a raised sheet.

ALT Photo of a group of students getting a ball across a raised sheet.

'No conversation about me, without me.'

ALT 'No conversation about me, without me.'

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Clare Howard visited Victoria College today to meet with staff and learners as well as @larry_turner to support #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE
Clare and Laurence Turner MP alongside Victoria College staff including Principal Clare Scattergood. Laurence is holding an I'm supporting the Power Of Specialist FE pledge board. A starry painted bull (Victor) is at their feet.

ALT Clare and Laurence Turner MP alongside Victoria College staff including Principal Clare Scattergood. Laurence is holding an I'm supporting the Power Of Specialist FE pledge board. A starry painted bull (Victor) is at their feet.

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Thanks for hosting me @RotherhamOpp and Landmarks College
Natspec@Natspec3 Dec 2025
Natspec Chief Executive @ClareH_Natspec continues her cross country journey visiting specialist colleges to talk about #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE Despite nearly 500 miles on the road, she's not done yet, so #CatchClareIfYouCan
Clare Howard at Rotherham Opportunities College

ALT Clare Howard at Rotherham Opportunities College

Clare Howard with students and staff at Landmarks Specialist College. One of the students is holding a pledge board saying Specialist FE works for me

ALT Clare Howard with students and staff at Landmarks Specialist College. One of the students is holding a pledge board saying Specialist FE works for me

Clare at Creating Tomorrow College with a group of students, one of whom holds a pledge board saying "specialist FE works for me"

ALT Clare at Creating Tomorrow College with a group of students, one of whom holds a pledge board saying "specialist FE works for me"

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Clare Howard's tour continues with a visit to @lighthouse_ft, speaking to learners and learning more about all the employers Lighthouse Futures works with. #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE #CatchClareIfYouCan
Clare with many learners and staff. The learners are all holding posters with "The Power of Specialist FE" campaign logo on them

ALT Clare with many learners and staff. The learners are all holding posters with "The Power of Specialist FE" campaign logo on them

A wall of framed logos of various employers logos

ALT A wall of framed logos of various employers logos

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Thank you @helenhayes_ for shining a light on this campaign right at the heart of government in the House of Commons. We urgently need policy makers to recognise and value specialist FE and to support and invest in it. #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE
Helen Hayes 💙🌹
@helenhayes_4 Dec 2025
To mark @Natspec Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, I visited the Nido Volans Centre @LSEColleges in my constituency, a specialist college for young people aged 16-25 with SEND to meet staff & students & see the difference specialist colleges make #PowerOfSpecialistFE >>
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It’s #SpecialistFEWeek! In partnership with @Natspec, we’re spotlighting the voices that matter most - students & educators at HBVC. 🎤 Hear uncut stories from Emma (Principal) & learners, celebrating individuality, inclusion & the transformative power of specialist education.💡
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Why do we need specialist FE? Because children with SEND turn into young adults. For many, specialist FE offers a stepping stone into work, as explained to ITV reporters by students & staff from The Oaks Specialist College. See specialistfe.com/itv-meridia… for the full report.
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Natspec Chief Executive @ClareH_Natspec continues her cross country journey visiting specialist colleges to talk about #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE Despite nearly 500 miles on the road, she's not done yet, so #CatchClareIfYouCan
Clare Howard at Rotherham Opportunities College

ALT Clare Howard at Rotherham Opportunities College

Clare Howard with students and staff at Landmarks Specialist College. One of the students is holding a pledge board saying Specialist FE works for me

ALT Clare Howard with students and staff at Landmarks Specialist College. One of the students is holding a pledge board saying Specialist FE works for me

Clare at Creating Tomorrow College with a group of students, one of whom holds a pledge board saying "specialist FE works for me"

ALT Clare at Creating Tomorrow College with a group of students, one of whom holds a pledge board saying "specialist FE works for me"

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