Insights
Insights & research
Practical guidance, research and product updates on inclusion, the graduated approach, Ofsted readiness and learning support funding.

Guides
How to spend the Inclusive Mainstream Fund well
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund arrives without a bid, sized by your most disadvantaged learners. The natural instinct is to put it toward more of what you already do. Resist it.
15 Jun 2026

Guides
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund explained: what it is, why it exists, and what it means for 16 to 19 providers
From July 2026, every eligible 16 to 19 provider in England receives a share of a new £83 million fund to make mainstream education more inclusive. There is no application to make.
15 Jun 2026

Guides
From allocation to accountability: what the Inclusive Mainstream Fund asks of you, and by when
The Inclusive Mainstream Fund is easy to receive: no bid, no panel. The harder part comes later, and there are now two bodies who will look at what you did with it.
15 Jun 2026

Guides
A smart use of your Inclusive Mainstream Fund: identify, support and evidence inclusion in one place
Across this series I've argued the Inclusive Mainstream Fund rewards whole-setting, early and evidenced inclusion. That's the problem we built Cognassist to solve.
15 Jun 2026

Guides
Leadership, Training, and Inclusion: Initial Ofsted Report Insights
This article is a summary of a webinar with Cognassist's CEO Chris Quickfall joining SDN Mesma's Director & Co-Founder Lou Doyle where they discussed the initial wave of Ofsted reports under the new…
17 Apr 2026

Guides
Learning Support Funding Claim Process De-Mystified
We breakdown the steps required when claiming for learning support funding. Learn how Cognassist can make it easier.
25 Jun 2025

Guides
The Quality Series #1 Q&A
In this Q&A, we talk to Louise Doyle about the quality assurance process, the role of thematic reviews and the new Quality Assurance Framework.
6 Jun 2025

Guides
Adult education and poverty: Breaking down socio-economic barriers
Breaking down barriers to adult education can have a huge impact on livelihoods. Find out how you can take action in your organisation.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Enhancing The LDD Learner Journey | Ofsted Learner Journey LDD
Improving the LDD learner journey is a collaborative process. We explore LDD strategies and how they fit in with Ofsted QAF guidance.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Flexible Learning Plans | How to improve your learner journey
Find out more about Flexible Learning Plans to enable adaptive learner support and improve overall quality of your learner journey.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Got inspection questions? Ask the Inspector: Q&A
You asked Marina Gaze, Former deputy director of FE and Skills at Ofsted, your inspection questions and she answered! Here's the highlights.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
How to improve confidence and motivation of learners
Read our From the Lab series about Cognassist's education research, as we look at how to improve confidence and motivation of learners.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
How to use the Adult Education Budget to support LDD or high needs learners
If you're wondering how to use the Adult Education Budget, we talk about Learning Support Funding and what it covers within the AEB provision
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Reasonable adjustment outcomes: success stories and the Ofsted EIF
The final panel in our Reasonable Adjustments Series is all about outcomes and doing what we can to ensure they are positive.
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Supporting adult learners: my experiences with older DSA learners
How are you supporting adult learners? And what can we do to help people looking to retrain and upskill later in life?
5 Jun 2025

Guides
Ofsted requires improvement | strategies to improve grades
SEND learner support is often overlooked. Don't fret, if your Ofsted requires improvement here are several ways to improve Ofsted grades.
4 Jun 2025

Guides
Learning support funding: 10 things you need to know
We get down to what really matters about learning support funding: improving your organisation's provision and helping learners achieve.
22 Apr 2025

Product
CogTypes & Processing Bias
Discover your CogType with Cognassist: personalised insights to enhance productivity, collaboration, and workplace inclusion through cognitive strengths.
7 Apr 2025

Product
Introducing Shared Compass
The Shared Compass is a powerful tool designed to guide and enhance the interaction between employees and managers.
7 Apr 2025

Product
Unlock the power of connection with the Cognassist Community
Unlock the power of connection with the Cognassist Community
7 Apr 2025

Research
The future of learning support: Mandatory screening for learning difficulties in apprenticeships
The future of learning support: Mandatory screening for learning difficulties in apprenticeships
3 Apr 2025

Guides
What are reasonable adjustments? And why are they crucial for learners?
What are reasonable adjustments? And why are they crucial for learners?
27 Mar 2025

Guides
Improve Apprenticeship Retention Rates
Improve Apprenticeship Retention Rates
26 Mar 2025

Research
Cognassist Recognised in JCQ & Patoss Guidance
The Cognassist Cognitive Assessment is verified & included in key guidance published in conjunction with JCQ and Patoss, accepted by Ofqual regulated Awarding organisations and End Point Assessment…
26 Mar 2025

Guides
What is Learning Support Funding and how does it work?
In this article, we go into detail about what Learning Support Funding is and how it works based on the Government guidelines.
26 Mar 2025

Guides
5 Tips for an Ofsted inspection
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming visit or looking to lay down strong foundations in anticipation of that phone call, “how to pass an Ofsted inspection” is a question keeping many providers…
25 Mar 2025

Guides
How Cognassist supports learners
In this guide, we outline the support that Cognassist provides in education and the cognition framework we use to build an evidence-based approach to learning support.
25 Mar 2025

Guides
How do we learn?
There is no learning without cognition. Our cognitive processes are the means we use to learn any and all information.
25 Mar 2025

Guides
Learning Support in the Ofsted 3 I’s
In this article, we’ll explore how (through the well-known 3 I’s) Ofsted encourages and supports providers to raise their game in terms of the learning support that they offer.
25 Mar 2025

Guides
The days of blaming funding rules for ALS claw-back are long gone
Discover how ALS funding empowers apprenticeships with inclusive learning opportunities. Learn how Cognassist simplifies ALS processes, boosts retention, and ensures compliance with innovative tools.
25 Mar 2025

Research
The science behind Cognassist
Explore the details behind Cognassist's digital cognitive assessment
25 Mar 2025

Guides
What do my results mean?
In this guide, we break down the meaning behind the Cognassist results and how to begin the conversation with your learners.
21 Mar 2025

Guides
Best Practices for Launching Your Employee Resource Group
Best Practices for Launching Your Employee Resource Group
19 Mar 2025

Guides
How to Sustain and Expand Your Employee Resource Group
How to Sustain and Expand Your Employee Resource Group
19 Mar 2025

Guides
Starting Your Employee Resource Group: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting Your Employee Resource Group: A Step-by-Step Guide
19 Mar 2025

Guides
Employee Resource Groups: What They Are and Why They Matter
Employee Resource Groups: What They Are and Why They Matter
18 Mar 2025

Product
Unlock Your Potential with Kai
Unlock Your Potential with our AI-powered tool designed to support employees by generating personalised cognitive strategies.
14 Mar 2025

Guides
Helen's neurodiversity story
Read my personal story about discovering my autism and bisexuality, embracing neurodiversity, and navigating identity with self-compassion. Explore insights on language, identity, and acceptance.
2 Jan 2025

Guides
8 reasons why cognition matters for neuro-inclusion
What is the connection between cognition and neurodiversity? We explore how understanding these concepts together can empower neuro-inclusion
31 Dec 2024

Guides
Stephanie's story
Stephanie took our cognitive assessment after struggling to pass her Maths GCSE during her apprenticeship. The assessment insights helped her pass her exams and develop vital learning strategies for…
30 Dec 2024

Guides
Impact matters within neuro-inclusion
Recap the webinar we held with Mark Johnson, formerly of Dyson, with our own Dr Louise Karwowski - Impact Matters Within Neuro-inclusion
25 Sept 2024

Guides
Top tips on how to build a business case for neuro-inclusion
Tom Norrish, from JPMorgan Chase joined us to share his top tips to building a business case for neuro-inclusion.
6 Jun 2024

Guides
My hearing loss journey
Jenny shares her hearing loss journey from the initial stages of hearing loss up to the present day and the impact it can have at work.
3 May 2024

News
Neurodiversity Celebration Week illuminates neuro-inclusive workplaces
Discover how Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18–24 March 2024) promotes neuro-inclusive workplaces, empowering employers to embrace neurological differences, foster innovation, and support…
22 Mar 2024

Guides
Charlotte’s neurodiversity story
Charlotte speaks with us about her ADHD diagnosis and the impact it's had on her personal and professional life.
19 Mar 2024

Guides
Impact of Autism in the workplace
Learn how to support autistic employees by implementing effective workplace adjustments and fostering a neuro-inclusive environment.
18 Mar 2024

Guides
Dyscalculia in the workplace
Understand dyscalculia's impact in the workplace and discover effective strategies to support employees, enhancing their strengths and ensuring inclusivity.
18 Mar 2024

Guides
Dyspraxia in the workplace
Learn how to support employees with dyspraxia in the workplace. Discover practical adjustments and foster inclusion to unlock their unique strengths in creativity and problem-solving.
18 Mar 2024

Guides
Dyslexia in the workplace
Understand how dyslexia affects employees and discover workplace adjustments to support their success and foster a neuro-inclusive culture.
12 Mar 2024

Guides
ADHD in the workplace
Explore effective strategies to support employees with ADHD, enhancing productivity and fostering a neuro-inclusive workplace.
5 Mar 2024

Guides
Alex's neurodiversity story
Cognassist Colleague speaks with us about his Autism diagnosis and the impact it's had on his personal and professional life.
5 Mar 2024

Guides
A brief history of “Neurodiversity”
Where did the term neurodiversity come from? How has the history of neurodiversity changed our understanding of people’s neurological differences?
14 Dec 2023

Guides
How we talk about neurodiversity
The conversation around neurodiversity is growing, and we want to support this to drive positive attitudes, understanding and inclusion.
25 Aug 2023

Guides
How to setup and run a successful ERG
Join Praveen Kolluguri, Co-chair of Able2 Network at BT, to hear about the purpose of ERGs and best practice on how to create a safe, business-aligned space for inclusion.
7 Aug 2023

News
Creating an Inclusive Society: The Power of Neurodiversity
Discover how Cognassist and OneFile’s partnership is transforming education and employment through neurodiversity-focused tools, empowering learners, promoting inclusivity, and unlocking potential…
25 Jul 2023

Guides
Gender identity, sexuality, neurodifferences and pride
Pride is about embracing all of who you are! Read about DEI growth, the connection between neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ and personal stories.
16 Jun 2023

Guides
Neuro-inclusion at work: Why it pays to have more diverse minds
Discover the advantages of neurodiversity inclusion at work and why organisations should embrace diverse minds. Learn about benefits including creativity, problem-solving, and loyalty, and gain…
26 May 2023

News
Cognassist has achieved B Corp certification
We are delighted to share that we have achieved B Corp certification! This certification is a testament to our dedication to making a meaningful difference in education, the workplace and the world…
24 May 2023

Guides
Tracy's neurodiversity story
Tracy talks about the impact of using Cognassist and how it helped her to deal with work at Openreach and learn more about herself.
24 Apr 2023

Guides
James' neurodiversity story
James talks about his intro to Cognassist from his employer, Openreach, and how we gave him the confidence to own his individuality at work.
20 Apr 2023

Guides
8 cognitive strategies to enhance retention and learning
These types of learning and cognitive strategies can help to reduce cognitive overload and support learning for different individuals.
14 Apr 2023

News
Gresham House Ventures invests £4m in neuro-inclusion solutions leader Cognassist
Gresham House Ventures invests £4M in Cognassist to enhance neuro-inclusion solutions, supporting people with learning differences in education and the workplace.
12 Apr 2023

News
Chris Quickfall named Entrepreneur for Good at national awards
Hear about our win at the Digital Leaders Impact awards and our "category defining" win in Tech for Diversity business award.
30 Mar 2023

Guides
Organisations identify their key gaps to supporting neurodiversity at work
Read about our survey findings from the Neurodiversity in Business Conference on key gaps to supporting neurodiversity at work.
28 Mar 2023

Guides
Georgina's neurodiversity story
Join Georgie as she utilises Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 to share her neurodiversity journey and how it has led her to where she is today.
15 Mar 2023

Guides
10 workplace adjustments to support neurodiversity
Read about practical workplace adjustments to support neurodiverse employees and how to implement changes in your organisation.
14 Dec 2022

Guides
Reasonable adjustments, Equality Act and discrimination
Learn how to navigate neurodiversity in the workplace under the Equality Act 2010. Essential guide for employers to avoid discrimination and legal risks.
12 Dec 2022

Guides
Your quick guide to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace
Explore what equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace is and what you can do to recognise neurodiversity in your ED&I strategy.
29 Nov 2022

Guides
Common barriers to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and how to overcome them
This blog with explore how organisations can overcome common barriers to equality, diversity and inclusion.
24 Nov 2022

Guides
Neurodiversity recruitment: How neuro-inclusive are your hiring practices?
Here’s what your organisation can do to help improve its neurodiversity in recruitment practices and processes.
9 Nov 2022

Guides
4 crucial steps to manage neuro-different employees
Gain an understanding of the benefits of neuro-inclusion and how you can support and manage neurodiverse employees at work.
8 Nov 2022

Guides
Top tips for raising neurodiversity awareness at work
Let’s look at the benefits of raising neurodiversity awareness at work and tips to help your organisation overcome some of the hurdles.
8 Nov 2022

Guides
A guide to cognition and learning
In this article, we talk about cognition and learning and how the way we think affects multiple areas of our lives.
2 Nov 2022

Guides
Tips for a neuro-inclusive workplace
Let’s look at what you and your organisation can do create and maintain a neuro-inclusive workplace where every mind can thrive.
27 Oct 2022

Guides
3 steps for building a culture of learning at work
Uncover 3 ways your organisation can build an open learning culture that supports different ways of thinking and learning.
4 Jul 2022

News
How to build a training plan for neurodiverse employees
Learn how personalised training plans support neurodiverse employees, improve engagement, and promote inclusivity. Discover strategies to implement tailored learning plans and reasonable adjustments…
20 May 2022

Guides
How to support learning in the workplace
Learn why learning in the workplace should be important to your organisation and how to best support workforce learning.
3 May 2022

News
Supporting neurodiverse trainees and employees in the workplace
Explore how organisations can support neurodiverse employees through cognitive assessments, reasonable adjustments, and personalised approaches to foster inclusivity, innovation, and success in the…
28 Apr 2022

News
Build a neurodiverse workforce
Learn how to support neurodiverse employees with inclusive recruitment, cognitive assessments, and tailored adjustments. Discover strategies to build a diverse workforce and unlock talent for…
17 Feb 2022

News
Attracting, recruiting, and supporting employees with ADHD
Explore strategies to attract and support employees with ADHD. Learn how inclusive recruitment, flexible adjustments, and tailored policies can unlock talent, drive innovation, and boost productivity.
16 Nov 2021

News
5 tips to help manage the cognitive difference in the workplace
Discover how to support employees with dyslexia through practical adjustments and technology. Foster inclusivity, unlock unique strengths, and create a thriving, diverse workplace environment.
3 Nov 2021

News
Enabling neurodiverse employees to upskill and fulfill their potential
Learn how to support neurodiverse employees pursuing further education with flexibility, cognitive assessments, and open dialogue. Foster inclusivity and drive workplace growth and retention.
3 Nov 2021

News
How HR can better support neurodiverse employees
Learn how HR practices can support neurodiverse employees through tailored strategies, inclusive tools, and mentorship. Foster innovation, equity, and engagement in the workplace with actionable…
3 Nov 2021

News
How to support employees with dyslexia
Learn how to support employees with dyslexia through tailored strategies, inclusive communication, and cognitive assessments. Foster an inclusive culture and boost workplace productivity and…
3 Nov 2021

News
Neurodiversity: how accessible is your recruitment process?
Learn how to improve recruitment accessibility for neurodiverse talent. Explore inclusive practices and tools to ensure equal opportunities and foster workplace innovation and diversity.
3 Nov 2021

News
The business benefits of attracting neurodiverse talent
Learn how to support employees with dyslexia through tailored strategies, inclusive communication, and cognitive assessments. Foster an inclusive culture and boost workplace productivity and…
3 Nov 2021

News
Supporting neurodiverse employees taking on additional training
Discover strategies to support neurodiverse employees pursuing further education. Explore flexible working, open communication, and cognitive tools to foster inclusivity, motivation, and retention…
23 Aug 2021

Guides
Why we measure by age
What is the connection between cognition and age? Take a look at our data to see the trends and why age matters for cognitive assessment.
20 May 2021

News
How HR can support employees with hidden learning needs
Discover HR strategies to support employees with hidden learning needs. Explore practical adjustments, communication tools, and inclusive practices to foster a thriving, diverse workplace culture.
18 May 2021

News
CEO Secrets: How to protect your mental health
Discover how Chris Quickfall overcame start-up stress with a structured planning system, improving focus and mental health while growing Cognassist into a thriving business.
31 Mar 2021

Guides
7 quick and easy ways to cope with stress
We could all use a few quick and easy ways to cope with stress, so here are a few ideas to help you deal with the daily drama.
27 Oct 2020

Guides
How does stress affect the brain?
We all handle stress differently but how does stress affect the brain and how does this affect our response in stressful situations?
27 Oct 2020

Guides
How to tackle stress in positive ways
Knowing how to tackle stress in positive ways can make us more resilient and improve our long term mental health.
27 Oct 2020