Episodes
nasen awards – Paul Willis, Secondary provision of the year
This series of special episodes is to celebrate the award winners from the 2024 nasen awards
Award winner – Paul Willis
Role – Assistant Headteacher & SENDCo
Award category – All Saints Catholic School
In this special episode, Paul Willis discusses All Saints Catholic School in Essex, which recently won the Secondary Provision of the Year award at the nasen awards. The school is recognised for its commitment to inclusive education and its “No Child Left Behind” philosophy, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs, have access to learning.
Paul outlines a staff action research project aimed at raising awareness of students facing barriers to learning, with over 50 staff members participating. The school employs various strategies to celebrate student achievements and has introduced new initiatives for sixth form students.
Paul emphasises the importance of prioritising student support, highlighting the collaborative culture among staff, including teaching, support, and kitchen staff, all dedicated to student well-being. He discusses the school’s inclusive practices, such as tailored interventions for social skills and academic support.
The conversation also touches on the role of communication with parents, the significance of building rapport, and the need for a whole-school approach to inclusion. Paul advocates for continuous improvement and learning from other schools, ensuring that inclusive practices are embedded in the school’s ethos and curriculum.
About Paul
Paul Willis is a SENDCo and Teacher of over 10 years. Paul is the SENDCo at the school which recently was awarded secondary provision of the year, based on exceptional provision for inclusion with a ‘No Child Left Behind’ policy.
In the last year, Paul’s school has been awarded Ofsted Outstanding, NASEN’s Secondary Provision of the Year, IQM Flagship Status, Rights Respecting Award and designated a Pearson’s Silver Award Winner for School of the Year.
About the nasen awards
The nasen awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the education and support of children and young people with SEND. These annual awards recognise individuals, schools, and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive education and the advancement of SEND practices.
nasen is a charitable organisation that supports children and young people with SEND. nasen’s goals include Influencing government policy, providing information, training and resources to support practitioners and contributing to the debate and effecting change to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Find out moreContact Paul
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