The Howard Partnership Trust

THPT wins International Inclusion Award for 2nd year in a row!

Judges recognise our support for young people Linden Bridge_communication toolswith communications difficulties

A group of global inclusion experts have recognised our life-changing work in supporting young people with communications difficulties.  Last Thursday, Vanessa Wallden, Head of Special and Inclusion, was awarded ‘The Joshie-Man Award’ at the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners Awards 2025. 

The Joshie-Man Award is inspired by Dan Harris, founder of Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) and his son Joshie.  They have been campaigning globally to give a voice to non-speaking autistic children.  The award honours companies and services that empower non-speaking children and adults.

THPT was chosen for the award because of our commitment to removing barriers to education for children with communication difficulties.  Judges praised:  

  • The trust’s commitment to providing children with the tools that ensure they have a voice
  • Curriculums that develop language and communications as well as offering equity and opportunity for all those who are non-speaking or have difficulties in communicating
  • Adjusting practice to ensure that the views of non-speaking children are captured 

Vanessa Wallden, our Head of Special phase and Inclusion, said, “We are a trust that believes in life-changing education.  This commitment extends to all children in our care, whatever their starting point and regardless of the additional support they require.  We want each of our schools to be a place of welcome and when it comes to making that vision a reality, we’re prepared to put the hard work in.  It’s wonderful to have the team’s efforts acknowledged.  This award helps give us the encouragement we need to carry on building inclusive communities.”

The Joshie-Man Award is one of the four categories of the annual International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners Awards (IFIP) that take place each year.   The IFIP is a voluntary members organisation consisting of hundreds of inclusion practitioners from across the world.  They share a belief in a future where every teacher is enabled, through inclusive teaching practices, to teach every child in the classroom, no matter their ability.  

The Howard Partnership Trust is a family of schools committed to delivering life-changing education.  Our mission is to unearth and celebrate the excellence that exists in each young person – to bring out the best in everyone.  We believe that this sets people on the right path for life and equips children and society with the skills, character and resilience they need to flourish.