CELEBRATIONS are underway at Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) after winning the award for excellent practice in further education at this year’s Nasen SEND awards ceremony.

The Nasen awards ceremony, which was held in London on Thursday October 19, acknowledges and celebrates individuals and organisations whose actions make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Claire Heywood, assistant principal for inclusive and employer learning, said: "We are delighted to have won this national award.

"This is great recognition for us and recognises the fantastic support given to us by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and their unique investment with us on this project.

"This is also a great reflection for all the staff and the hard work they put in every day to ensure our learners get the best quality experience here at HoW College.

"Most of all though, it’s a brilliant reflection of all the talented, committed and enthusiastic supported learners we have here at the college.”

The new facilities include a sensory room, a mocked up ‘flat’ to be used to support learners to develop independence skills, refurbished classroom areas and improved access to online facilities.