The NASUWT National Executive’s Education Committee is establishing four SEND Teacher Panels to ensure that the Union’s policy, campaigning and engagement with SEND reform in England are directly informed by the experiences of those working on the front line.

This work is being developed in anticipation of potentially far-reaching SEND proposals for England expected in the government’s forthcoming Schools White Paper.

It is essential that NASUWT’s response to these reforms reflects the real challenges, priorities and expertise of teachers, school and college leaders and those working across specialist and mainstream settings.

The four panels will bring together members from across the SEND workforce. There will be a panel for:

  • classroom teachers in mainstream schools and colleges;

  • teachers working in specialist settings such as special schools, PRUs and alternative provision;

  • SENCOs in mainstream schools; and

  • school and college leaders in mainstream and specialist contexts.

Each panel will be a relatively small group, around 8–10 members, selected to ensure a balance of region, phase, role and experience.

Launch event

The SEND Teacher Panels will be formally launched at an in-person event on Saturday 18 April 2026 at NASUWT’s headquarters in Birmingham.

The event will bring together members of all four panels to:

  • identify key challenges facing SEND provision;

  • agree priorities for reform and campaigning;

  • shape practical solutions; and

  • decide how the panels will work together going forward.

Overnight accommodation will be available at the venue on Friday 17 April 2026 for those who require it. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be covered for members taking part.

Ongoing involvement

Following the launch event, panel members will continue to contribute through regular virtual meetings during the year. The panels will play a key role in informing NASUWT policy development and engagement with the government on SEND reform.

How to express interest

If you believe you may be eligible and would like to be considered for one of the NASUWT SEND Teacher Panels, please email the Education Team, indicating:

  • which of the panels you would be interested in serving on;

  • the type of setting you work in, e.g. mainstream, specialist, college etc.;

  • the phase you work in, e.g. primary, secondary, post-16, all-through; and

  • the region of England in which you work.

Final panel membership will be agreed by the NASUWT Education Committee to ensure balanced and representative groups.

Expressing interest does not guarantee a place on a panel or commit you taking part at this stage.

Further details will be shared with those selected.