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How does your school model inclusive practices to students and staff?
Nathan Fernandes’ powerful PSHE and mental health workshops are helping schools tackle bullying, bias and student wellbeing — one honest conversation at a time.
Why lived experience matters in PSHE
In my life as a school leader, I organised hundreds of assemblies. How many of those were memorable and impactful for students? Students are facing more challenges than ever, and yet too often, our PSHE curriculum has breadth, but not enough depth.
Say ‘Hello’ to Nathan Fernandes — a disabled speaker, life coach and founder of 360 Education.
His story and delivery style are making a measurable impact in schools across the UK. Nathan operates like any experienced workshop facilitator. Whether speaking online or in person, he adapts to the environment and engages students in a creative and captivating manner.
“Some staff worry about things like access or doorways. In reality, it’s never a problem. I carry my own portable ramp, adapt to the environment, and don’t require any extra support beyond what any other speaker might. I’m just here to deliver a great workshop — online or in-person.” — Nathan Fernandes
It’s this flexibility and warmth that allows Nathan to connect with students on a level few speakers can — an ability echoed in the feedback he receives from teachers across the country.
As Nath is not your usual PSHE speaker, we decided to interview him.
Personal Journey
Can you share your personal story and how your journey with a disability has shaped who you are today? From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in education, but traditional routes weren’t accessible. I built my own path through university lecturing and events, eventually founding 360 Education to deliver PSHE workshops.
What inspired you to become an inspirational speaker? Speaking with students unsure about their future made me realise the power of honest conversation. Public speaking gave me tools to help young people find clarity around bullying and self-esteem.
What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your perspective? Stigma around disability remains a barrier. It’s made me more adaptable and determined to challenge assumptions in schools and wider society.
Bullying and Self-Esteem
How has bullying shaped your understanding of its impact? I was bullied due to misunderstandings about my disability. That experience helps me create safe spaces where students feel seen and heard.
What strategies do you offer for low self-esteem? We explore repetition and building “mental safe spaces” — tools students can practise daily to shift negative self-talk.
Impact and Inspiration
What message do you leave with students and teachers? That change is possible — but it takes practice. If students use the tools shared in workshops consistently, they’ll see progress.
How do you measure success? Engagement. If something doesn’t land, I adjust. After 12 years, I still refine content based on student response.
Looking Ahead
What new initiatives are you working on? We’re developing INSET training on inclusion and self-esteem, plus supporting mainstream schools to better serve disabled students.
How can schools better support individuals with disabilities? Don’t assume — ask. Understand students’ strengths and build from them. Inclusion starts with conversation, not policy.
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What your school can do next?
Each year, both students and staff speak highly of Nath’s sessions. It’s no surprise we continue to book him year after year — his contribution is invaluable. ~ Claire Haigh, PSHE and careers lead, The Prescot School
PSHE is often sidelined when workload is high and student needs are complex. Fernandes’ work tackles this directly. His sessions reduce pressure by delivering trusted, ready-to-go content that resonates with students and supports teachers.
Teachers looking to embed Nathan’s impact across their school can start by booking a 360 Education workshop for students or staff. His delivery combines storytelling, humour and challenge — and always leaves students feeling heard.
For SENCOs and PSHE leads, his training transforms inclusion policies into meaningful, lived practice.
“If just one student leaves a workshop feeling more confident and more understood, then it’s all been worth it.”
Ready to book a PSHE speaker with lived experience? Visit 360 Education to learn more and arrange a session.
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