The contribution of schools, teachers, support staff and students has been celebrated at an awards ceremony recognising those who make a difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The eighth annual Nasen Awards saw 17 schools, individuals and organisations named as winners at a ceremony at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham.

Michelle Madziak, from Green Park School, in Stowlawn, West Midlands, and Clare Brun, from Holyrood Academy, in Chard, Somerset, were both named as Teacher of the Year.

All Saints Catholic College, in Dagenham, East London, was named as Secondary Provision of the Year, while Abbeymead Primary School, in Gloucester, won the award for the primary phase.

Hope School in Liverpool won the award for Specialist Provision of the Year.

Nasen Awards winners announced

A sports podcast hosted by students with autism at a special school in Wolverhampton was also among the winners. The regular, student-led TWS Sports Podcast from Tettenhall Wood School won the innovative technology award.

Nasen said the project has helped to teach students communication skills, confidence and social and computing skills, while raising awareness of autism and promoting acceptance.

Nasen is a charity that supports those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.

Chief executive Annamarie Hassall 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”.

Tes was a media partner for the event. We would like to offer our congratulations to all the winners and nominees.