National Association of Independent & Non-Maintained Special Schools

Welcome to NASS

The National Association of Special Schools

NASS is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We provide support, advice, information, events, training and a strong national voice.

We’re a growing community of over 500 schools and organisations, and welcome every type of special school – independent, special academies, multi-academy trusts with special schools, non-maintained, and maintained special schools.

We work in close partnership with our members, other SEND organisations, and with central and local government, providing insight, information and influence to help shape the future of special education. NASS champions high-quality, specialist provision within a modern, inclusive education system that respects the choices of children, young people and their families.

Our message to the new PM

We have four asks and one clear ambition: a SEND system where every child can thrive.
Each day this week, we will set out each of our asks and publish the briefings we are sending to the new Prime Minister.

Read our briefings

Read our latest news

Four Asks. One Ambition: A SEND system where every child can thrive

In the week that Andy Burnham took office as Prime Minister, NASS wrote to the new Prime Minister to set out four priorities for SEND reform in a series of briefing papers.

Zero-hours & low-hours contracts

In this guest blog, Gemma Hill of HCR Law explains what's in the government's latest consultation (currently open until 25th August), explores the proposed new rights for workers and agency staff, and highlights the key issues special schools need to be aware of as these employment law changes take shape.