EPNE named Further Education Provider of the Year for SEND and High Needs

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) has been named Further Education (FE) Provision of the Year at the 2024 National Association for Special Educational Needs (Nasen) Awards.

The regional college group, which includes Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, was honoured for its work through several initiatives, including launching a SEND promise, introducing SEND Champions, a work experience initiative, ‘Talent Pool’ and the progressive experiential curriculum offer.

Associate Principal SEND & Inclusion, Peter Monaghan and Curriculum Manager, Craig Dowell collected the award on behalf of EPNE at a ceremony at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham earlier this month.

Peter said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to have won the Nasen Award for FE Provider of the Year for our SEND and high needs provision. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff right across our group of colleges.

“It reflects the commitment, passion, and innovation that have gone into supporting our learners with special educational needs and disabilities over the years. We are equally grateful to our incredible learners and their caregivers, whose resilience and collaboration continue to inspire us. This award celebrates everyone involved in creating a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment.”

Nasen is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.

This year, 17 schools, individuals and organisations were recognised for their outstanding work to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and learning differences reach their full potential.

The FE Provision of the Year award was sponsored by seashell – a national learning disability charity supporting children and young adults with complex learning difficulties, disabilities, and additional communication needs from across the UK.

Chief Executive of Nasen, Annamarie Hassall MBE said: “I would like to congratulate all our Nasen Award winners and those who were shortlisted, our annual event is a celebration of remarkable individuals, teams and organisations, making a difference.

“Behind the scenes, our panel of independent judges and sponsors deserve a vote of thanks for their invaluable support for Nasen Awards 2024.”

They provide specialist education at their school and special needs college, together with residential and respite care, supported by health, wellbeing and therapy services, community facilities.