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nasen Quality Framework

With a mission to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in education, nasen’s Quality Framework programme allows products and resources to undergo a review by qualified SEND education specialists. Upon review, the nasen team will provide expert advice to optimise the accessibility of the product or resource, supporting you to meet the diverse needs of individuals with special educational needs.

Promotional image for nasen Quality Framework Process. Text reads 'Perfect for businesses. nasen Quality Framework Process'

Be Assured By Your Accessibility

The reviewed product or resource may be granted nasen Assured status.  This will provide a logo, valid for two-years, exposure on the nasen website and Connect magazine, a 20% discount on advertising, and special recognition in event brochures for nasen LIVE and Awards. This is subject to review and is not a guarantee.

nasen Assured Products

rockerbox logo [black text that reads 'Rockerbox' with the two O replaced with a cartoon image of the Earth and a cartoon image of gold]

Rockerbox

nasen is delighted to announce the first recipient of 'nasen Assured' status, as part of the new nasen Quality Framework process, aimed at enhancing accessibility in products and resources for individuals with special educational needs.

Rockerbox is a fantastic platform, designed with inclusion at its heart and incorporated into all areas.

 

 

Sure Breaking Limits Programme logo. Text reads 'Sure Breaking Limits Programme'

Sure Breaking Limits programme (via We Are Futures)

The Sure Breaking Limits Programme is a free curriculum-linked PE and PSHE programme, equipping young people with the confidence to move and demonstrating the power of movement to deliver physical, mental and social benefits for young people.

As a programme that focuses on breaking barriers to movement- including barriers related to gender, race and ability- the programme certainly lives up to its values of being inclusive and representative of all.

tss Special Direct Logo [blue circle behind white lower case letter t, red apple behind white lower case t and blue circle behind white lower case letter s on white background]

Vibrating Weighted Lap Buddy – Guinea Pig and Calming Sensory Pod Starter Collection

Vibrating Weighted Lap Buddy – Guinea Pig
This sweet guinea pig is a great resource to support sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.  It comes with a weighted blanket which means that the weight can be adapted to suit the user.  The vibrate function can be turned on or off too, to enable use in a variety of ways.  Online materials support professionals to understand the benefits of sensory resources and how they can be utilised.  

Calming Sensory Pod Starter Collection
This collection includes a variety of resources, including a mini pop-up sensory pod, a sparkle rug, light up bolster cushion, glow construction blocks and sensory illuminated board, as well as a weighted lap buddy.  With such a range of resources, children and young people are able to make use of the resources that work best for them.   A valuable addition to any inclusive setting. 
 

twinkl symbols logo

Twinkl Symbols

Twinkl Symbols provides an extremely comprehensive range of ready-made visual resources to support communication, emotional regulation, sensory regulation, functional skills and social skills. There are also customisable templates, editable versions and adaptable features to enable flexibility of use.  The resource is underpinned by evidence based, sound pedagogical principles and it is suitable for use in a range of contexts. Available via desktop and as an app, the resource has clearly been developed with passion and care to improve inclusivity and user experience, with development continually ongoing. Guidance is useful and clear.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Aligned with our mission to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility across society, the nasen Quality Framework is our enhanced consultancy, reviewing the inclusivity of your product or resource and supporting you to meet the needs of a wide range of users.  

Our specialist team will review your product or resource against our Quality Framework criteria of inclusivity. We will then provide a report and verbal feedback, highlighting strengths and working in partnership with you to offer advice and recommendations to optimise inclusivity. 

Our Quality Framework is regularly reviewed and updated as policy and practice develops.

Products or resources which demonstrate particularly high standards of inclusivity, may be awarded ‘nasen Assured’ status, free of charge, as part of the Quality Framework process.  This allows the use of our ‘nasen Assured’ logo, valid for a period of two years.

In addition, products or resources awarded ‘nasen Assured’ status will be included on the nasen website. They will also receive exposure in nasen Connect magazine, and in the brochures of nasen’s flagship events, nasen LIVE and the nasen Awards. They will also receive a 20% discount on advertising with us. 

Our team will review your product or resource against the following criteria:

  • Product/resource brief:
    • Is there a clear rationale, and is this underpinned by an evidence-informed approach? Are users and/or other specialists and stakeholders involved in development?
  • Content:  
    • How well does the product or resource suit the intended audience? Are there positive messages throughout? Is content, spelling, punctuation and grammar accurate? Is it based on sound pedagogical principles (for teaching resources).
  • Format and Design:  
    • Is the product or resource intuitive and easy to use? Are there scaffolds provided, including visual and auditory supports? Is presentation and design accessible and adaptable, so that users can customise their experience? Has cognitive load been considered, with information chunked and presented appropriately?
  • Language:  
    • Is the language used clear, positive, person-centred and inclusive?
  • Representation:  
    • Is inclusive representation evident, for all intersectionalities of society?
  • User guidance:  
    • Is this clear, concise, presented in a range of ways and mindful of workload and cognitive load?

 (Please note this list is not exhaustive). 

We will provide a report, detailing strengths and recommendations against each of these areas, with some examples where appropriate. Recommendations will be split into ‘priority recommendations’ (which would be required for nasen Assured status), as well as other recommendations to further support inclusivity going forward.

We advise conducting the Quality Framework Review during the development process of your product or when reviewing to update. This timing allows you to implement suggested changes more efficiently, minimising additional costs and delays
 

nasen Assured status is not guaranteed as part of the Quality Framework process. It will be offered, free of charge, to those resources or products demonstrating high standards of inclusivity.  

The Quality Framework process includes enhanced consultancy provided by our team of specialists. We will work with you to highlight next steps to develop the inclusivity of your product or resource, supporting your journey towards ‘nasen Assured’ status. We are here to help you to improve accessibility and be of benefit to the widest possible audience.

‘nasen Assured’ status is initially valid for a period of 2 years.

If granted, you would be contacted approximately 2 to 3 months before the expiry. At this stage, we would need to re-review the product or resource against our most up-to-date Quality Framework. A renewal fee would be due for this process – the cost of this would depend upon the size of resource, any changes made and the scope of work required. This would be less than the initial Quality Framework consultancy cost, unless significant changes had been made, requiring a complete re-review.

Cost will depend on the nature and size of your product/resource and the scope of the work required. This will be discussed with you when you make your enquiry. We will then provide a costing, to allow you to decide whether to go ahead.

Full payment will be required before work is undertaken.

We will aim to review your product or resource within 6 weeks of project initiation. During our initial meeting, we will develop a bespoke delivery plan with you to confirm timelines. 

Please find further information about the process below:

[step 1 - send in your enquiry. Contact nasen via education@nasen.org.uk and tell us about your product. Step 2 - Costing confirmation. Our team will review your query and send you a quote. You can then decide if you'd like to continue the process. Step 3 - Meet your representative. You'll be introduced to your allocated Education Officer and meet to discuss your submission. Step 4 - Review Process. Based on the information given, our Education Team will review your product. Step 5 - Follow up meeting.]

Please email education@nasen.org.uk

It is useful if your email can include:

  • Name of product or resource
  • Name of any parent organisation
  • Type of product or resource
  • A brief description  
  • Website and/or social media links (where appropriate) 
  • Your contact details
     

Contact us

For more information about the nasen Quality Framework and how to participate in the program, please contact our Education team today.