ETF welcomes City of Sunderland as a Centre for Excellence in SEND

Posted on September 18th, 2025

The Education Training Foundation (ETF) is delighted to welcome City of Sunderland College, operating as Education Partnership North East (EPNE), as a Centre for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The changemaking college group – which includes Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College – was selected following a rigorous and competitive tender process.

Leading on the theme of ‘People’, City of Sunderland College, operating as EPNE, will design and deliver high-quality continuing professional development (CPD) for leaders, managers and frontline practitioners throughout England. These programmes will equip staff with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches to SEND teaching and support – particularly for students, with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The Centre will also facilitate national Communities of Practice, creating spaces for practitioners and organisations to collaborate, share best practice, and participate in peer review activities. These initiatives will help foster a whole-organisation approach to inclusion and ensure the sector is working together to raise standards in SEND provision.

A key area of focus for the Centre will be championing Preparation for Adulthood through its people approaches and inclusion focus, including supporting organisations to develop their people practices for positive change and impact. Through targeted support, resources, and partnerships with employers and sector organisations, EPNE will help young people with SEND transition successfully into employment, further study or independent living – empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

Jo Swindells, Executive Director, Development and Delivery, at ETF said: “We are delighted to welcome City of Sunderland College, Education Partnership North East, as a national Centre for Excellence in SEND with a focus on the theme of ‘people’. It is through bringing people and organisations together to share their knowledge, skills and evidence-based approaches that we can ensure learners with SEND across the FE and skills system have access to the opportunities and support they need to achieve their aspirations.”

Speaking about the announcement, Ellen Thinnesen OBE, EPNE’s Chief Executive, said: “We are immensely proud to be named a Centre for Excellence in SEND. This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our staff and belief that we can make a difference and build better futures.

“We look forward to working alongside ETF, sector colleagues and employers to lead change, share best practice, and drive inclusive innovation that positively transforms outcomes for young people with SEND across the country.”

This prestigious recognition follows EPNE’s recent success at the 2024 Nasen Awards, where it was named FE Provision of the Year and won the national Inclusion in Further and Higher Education Award.

James Stuart, EPNE’s Chair of the Board of Corporation, said: “We are truly inspired by being names a National Centre for Excellence in SEND. This achievement reflects not just the incredible talent and dedication of our team, but a deep commitment to unlocking the potential within every learner.”

ETF’s Centre for Excellence programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to raise the standard of SEND provision across the FE sector.

As part of the selection process, organisations were required to demonstrate exceptional quality and innovation in their existing SEND provision. EPNE’s outstanding Ofsted rating and Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports, coupled with national accolades and a proven track record of success, made the group a standout choice.

Centres for Excellence in SEND is one aspect of the support provided to the FE sector as part of the Universal SEND Services programme, which runs until March 2025. It provides sector-led support to leaders, managers and practitioners to create a step change in inclusive teaching and learning, hosting a wide range of activities and events. To access resources and find out more about upcoming activities and other support visit the CfESEND area of the ETF website.