Reflections on first six months as a National Centre for Excellence in SEND – Chris Thornton, Director of Inclusive Provision and SEND
I look back at this photograph from the night our team was nominated Team of the Year. It was a pivotal moment – the point where our Group SEND Strategy, Leadership & Governance Framework, and SEND Partnerships model truly aligned. This sustained success and collective momentum underpinned our decision to apply to become one of only four national Centres for Excellence (CfE) in SEND, in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF).
Six months into this journey, I’ve reflected on what this role actually means. Being a CfE has opened unanticipated doors, offering a unique vantage point to see both the challenges our sector faces and the incredible practice that deserves celebration. But first, a little insight into our SEND offer here at Luminate Education Group.
Brave curriculum choices
We’ve worked extremely closely in recent years to develop and grow provision that truly aligns to the needs of our local area and region – even when that wouldn’t be the obvious or safe choice for a general further education college. Across our Group FE Colleges we support over 900 young people with Education, Health and Care Plans and an additional 3,000 with identified SEND. We have three large specialist departments – our provision at The Vine, for learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), a purpose built campus with hydrotherapy pool and dedicated rebound therapy space; our Preparation for Adult Life provision at our Joseph Priestly Campus, and our Future Pathways provision at our Park Lane campus. We deliver direct entry provision to almost 300 14-16 year olds including a 35 place Alternative Provision in partnership with our home local authority in Leeds.
SEND is part of the fabric of the organisation and is deliberately not owned by any central team but is an intrinsic part of the design and delivery of each and every curriculum area. My role is to support all leaders to identify and implement opportunities for inclusive practice within their areas of expertise, and I have a fabulous team that works alongside me to drive that in partnership with our curriculum and co-professional colleagues.
A strategic seat at the table
One of the greatest privileges of becoming a SEND Centre for Excellence has been working at a heightened strategic level. Collaborating closely with the other three Centres – City College Norwich, Natspec, and Education Partnership North East – has provided a masterclass in collective expertise.
Beyond our cohort, the role has allowed us to engage with strategic partners including the Department for Education (DfE), Whole School SEND, and nasen. These relationships ensure the voice of the FE and Skills sector is heard where it matters most. It has reinforced my belief that when we work across organisational boundaries, the entire system becomes stronger.
The power of the peer review
The Peer Review process has been a humbling and impactful element of our work. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with other providers is a delicate task; moving into a space where trust and transparency drive innovation is genuinely inspiring.
Applying Luminate’s successful models to colleges with different structures and local contexts challenges your perspective. It provides a unique insight into what the sector needs and what it should celebrate more. Working with colleagues from across the UK proves that while our structures differ, our commitment to learner outcomes is a universal language.
A sector hungry for growth
These six months have taught me that there is an incredible hunger for high-quality, practical training. Whether discussing funding nuances or classroom support, engagement remains consistently high.
In this context, I welcome the recent announcement of £200 million for training all teachers in SEND. This landmark investment is something the sector has long called for. However, for this to be truly transformative, it must be sector-led and delivered by providers with evidenced experience in high-quality CPD. The best people to support practitioners are those who understand the daily pressures of the classroom and the complex needs of post-16 learners.
A perfect example of this appetite for expert-led support was our recent session, Exploring AI for Enhancing Job Skills for Neurodiverse Learners. The enthusiasm for how emerging technology can act as a tool for inclusion shows that practitioners are eager for tools that make a real difference in the here and now.
Looking ahead: The theme of ‘Careers’
Our upcoming sessions reflect this need for “lived” expertise, moving from high-level theory to practical, theme-based support. Our current focus highlights the intersection of Careers and Preparation for Adulthood (PfA), including:
- A whole-organisational approach to recording careers and PfA-related activity.
- Effective careers conversations specifically tailored for SEND learners.
- Careers, PfA & SEND: A dedicated session on preparing learners for successful adult lives.
- Meaningful CPD to enhance teacher knowledge of PfA.
- Use of AI for Inclusion: A three-part series exploring how technology can level the playing field.
Our mission at Luminate Education Group is to transform lives through learning. Being a CfE allows us to scale that mission far beyond our own campuses. It has been a busy, challenging, and inspiring half-year. We have learned as much as we have shared, and we look forward to continuing this vital dialogue with the sector.
