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The National Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Conference 2024

Inclusion, Collaboration and Technology

Manchester Hall, Manchester 8 May 2024, 9:00am - 4:00pm

CPD accredited by IGPP badge
8:45am
Registration
9:30am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Kate Whittlesey, Director, The SEND Advisory Team
9:40am
Keynote: The National SEND update: Improving Outcomes and Experiences Across the SEND System
  • Review the key updates from the SEND and AP Improvement Plan
  • Explore how the plan is designed to improve outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND and their families
  • Questions and answers
Dawn Cranshaw, Regional SEND Lead for West Midlands and Lancashire and West Yorkshire, nasen
10:00am
Through the Looking Glass: Making Sense of the Understanding of Students with Special Needs
  • How technology plays a vital role in understanding the needs of neurodiverse students
  • Questions and answers
Michael Joonhee Won, CEO, Kait Solutions
10:20am
Case study: The Utilisation of Technology in Creating More Inclusive Classrooms
  • How technology is driving inclusivity in the classroom
  • Case study - ALP Schools
  • Questions and answers
David Cowell MBE, Managing Director, ALP Schools, Mark Hartwright, SMART Technologies ULC
10:40am
Break and Networking
11:10am
The Future of SEN Funding
  • Review the challenges of SEN funding on a national and local scale
  • Understand the financial position of local authorities and see the importance of solidarity across the sector to put pressure on the government for resolution
  • Questions and answers
Andrew O'Neill, Headteacher, All Saints Catholic College
11:30am
Improving SEND Provision in Oxfordshire
  • Delve into the findings of the most recent Ofsted report, explore the widespread and systemic failings in Oxfordshire's SEND services
  • Outline the strategies and initiatives aimed at tackling the issues raised by inspectors, from developing a comprehensive plan to rebuilding trust with parents and children
  • Discuss the role of the council, NHS partners, and the community in working together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that meets the diverse needs of every child
  • Questions and answers
Councillor Kate Gregory, Thame & Chinnor Cabinet Member for SEND Improvement, Oxfordshire County Council
11:50am
Enhancing Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance for Students
  • Explore the mission and role of The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) in supporting schools, special schools and colleges to help every young person take their best next step
  • Find out how the CEC is working with educational institutions and employers to improve careers education and deliver better outcomes for young people
  • Discuss the free resources and training provided by the CEC to support young people in taking their best next step
  • Questions and answers


Kelly Dillon, Senior Manager, Progression, Transition and Removal of Barriers , The Careers and Enterprise Company
12:10pm
Lunch and Networking
1:10pm
Strategies for Managing SENCO Workload and Promoting Inclusive Environments
  • Explore effective methods of working with colleagues to expand the scope of “normal provision,” fostering inclusive environments, and minimising the need for unnecessary placement on SEND registers
  • Discuss practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that cater to diverse learning needs, thus reducing the workload for SENCOs
  • Identify streamlined procedures and systems to enhance the efficiency of identifying and supporting children with special educational needs, allowing SENCOs to manage their workload more effectively
  • Questions and answers
Nicole Dempsey, Director of SEND and Safeguarding, Dixons Academies Trust
1:30pm
Home of Accessible Reading
  • Understand the pressing need for authentic representation and accessibility in children’s literature
  • Explore the different approaches Every Cherry uses to overcome barriers to reading and how they benefit readers,  schools, and SENCOs
  • To explore how Every Cherry's growing list will provide key opportunities for reading for pleasure, both at school and at home
  • Questions and answers


Emma Steel, Head of Every Cherry Imprint, and Alice Corrigan, Head of Sales and Marketing, Sweet Cherry Publishing
1:50pm
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Empowering
  • Professionals to Identify and Support Children and Young People with Autism
  • Overview of PDA and how professionals can identify and support children and young people who meet this profile of autism
  • Highlight the difficulties those with PDA face and the importance of overcoming the barriers
  • Questions and answers
Jilly Davis, Education Advisor for the PDA Society
2:10pm
Promoting Equity and Inclusion in Education from an Independent Schools Perspective
  • Explore how private schools promote equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Questions and answers
Helen Stanton-Tonner, Director of Education and Inclusion, Independent Schools Association
2:30pm
Break and Networking
3:00pm
Promoting Equity and Inclusion in Education: Insights from The Council for Disabled Children
  • Explore strategies to ensure that young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are not marginalised within the educational system
  • Listen to exemplary case studies and success stories that demonstrate effective inclusive education practices
  • Understand the importance of collaboration among schools, educators, and stakeholders to foster inclusive education environments and explore ways to implement these practices
  • Questions and answers
Kath Bromfield, Associate, Council for Disabled Children (CDC), and Representative of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums
3:20pm
Learning from SEND Complaints
  • Explore the lessons learned from the investigations
  • Discuss the common issues and themes relating to SEND cases
  • Questions and answers
Sharon Chappell, Assistant Ombudsman, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
3:40pm
Schools Do Make a Difference: Improving SEND Student Wellbeing
  • Discuss the importance of student wellbeing and explore techniques for improving health and wellbeing
  • Understand the importance of helping pupils to articulate how they are feeling, giving them a voice and the ability to communicate
  • Questions and answers
Cate Marsden, Director of External Partnerships for Woodbridge Trust, and Rachel Berry, Specialist Teacher Woodbridge Trust Bolton, Woodbridge Trust
4:00pm
Chair’s Closing Summary
4:10pm
Close

*programme subject to change without notice

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