Natspec

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

[Natspec @Natspec]

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.
https://t.co/AT1w5fOGvT

[Natspec @Natspec]

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! https://t.co/IvbUA2GCQZ

[Natspec @Natspec]

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.
https://t.co/IrrcPtUzN5

[Natspec @Natspec]

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.

[Natspec @Natspec]

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.

https://t.co/sjn1ryNHhv

[Natspec @Natspec]

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 @ColegElidyr]

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.

[Natspec @Natspec]

Have a read of Natspec's response to the government's £200 million SEND teacher training programme.

#SEND #SpecialistFE #EducationPolicy
https://t.co/zRjcPoih4X

[Natspec @Natspec]

“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 @FEWeek]

'We are viewed as independent or exclusive, which creates barriers'
Ben Bastin, @Natspec on the transformative power of specialist FE
https://t.co/tJLWV2Yt7e

[Laurence Turner @larry_turner]

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.

[London SE Colleges @LSEColleges]

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

[Natspec @Natspec]

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_turner]

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.

[Natspec @Natspec]

Clare Howard visited Victoria College today to meet with staff and learners as well as @larry_turner to support #ThePowerOfSpecialistFE

[Clare Howard @ClareH_Natspec]

Thanks for hosting me @RotherhamOpp and Landmarks College

[Natspec @Natspec]

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

[Natspec @Natspec]

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_]

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 >>

[H.B.V.C @HBVCollege]

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.💡

[Natspec @Natspec]

@SamuelMarcEvans @PLMRLtd

[Natspec @Natspec]

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 https://t.co/u4S7mh5KTU for the full report.

[Natspec @Natspec]

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

[Natspec @Natspec]

Personalising learning is at the heart of the specialist FE approach.
#ThePowerOfSpecialistFE

[Together Trust @TogetherTrust]

Phoenix’s story is proof that when education fits around the learner - not the other way around-young people can thrive.

👉🔗https://t.co/vd583TNS10

@BridgeCollege_ @Natspec
#SpecialistFEWorksForMe