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Registration, refreshments and exhibitor viewing
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Welcome and introduction
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OPENING KEYNOTE: The SEND and AP Improvement Plan: One year on
In March 2023, the government launched the SEND and Alternative Improvement Plan, which promised a new national system underpinned by national standards, among other proposals. This keynote will explore progress to date on key goals one year on and highlight areas where more work needs to be done.
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Implementing the Improvement Plan: What’s happening on the ground?
The Reaching Excellence and Ambition for all Children (Reach) consortium is supporting the Department for Education through a programme to implement, test and refine proposed reforms. Find out more about its work with nine regional Change Programme Partnerships and the lessons learned so far.
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Refreshments and exhibitor viewing
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It’s time for radical change: moving from special educational needs to equity
For many children, families and professionals, the SEND system is divisive, sparks conflict, hinders inclusion and wastes money. So why do we stick with it? In this talk, former school leader and special educational needs co-ordinator Dr Sue Soan will argue for a radical re-think that goes far beyond current plans for reform. What changes can policy makers and professionals make to create a values-based and aspirational education system for all?
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose 1A, 1B or 1C)
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1A: Financial pressures on families with children with SEND: implications for practice
Presentation
Families raising children with SEND often face high financial costs due to a combination of extra expenses and income loss. This session will share findings from groundbreaking research into extra spending on everyday essentials by families with children with autism. It will also explore implications and practical support available for families and professionals. Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, what do services and commissioners need to bear in mind when planning and delivering support?
Speakers
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1B: Tackling racism and inequality in the SEND system
Presentation
Include Me TOO is a charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families from diverse backgrounds, and campaigns for disability human rights, inclusion and meaningful participation. This session will cover:
• Addressing race inequalities within the SEND system
• Cultural competency and intersectionality
• Improving the experiences of SEND children, young people and their families from Black, Asian, ethnic and minoritised communities
• Your responsibilities and how you can affect much-needed change
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1C: Ten things you can do to support transition to adulthood for young people with learning disabilities
Presentation
Down’s Syndrome Association Education Advisor Sharon Smith will be joined by her 19-year-old daughter Tanzie, who has Down’s syndrome, to discuss support for young people with learning disabilities as they approach adulthood. This session will include thoughts on how the parent/child dynamic changes and how professionals can support families through this transition period.
Speakers
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Lunch and exhibitor viewing
Break
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AFTERNOON KEYNOTE: Making SEND everyone’s business: investing in our workforce
Presentation
Hertfordshire County Council is on an ambitious journey to grow and upskill its SEND workforce as part of efforts to improve services for families and boost the quality and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans. Find out more about the practical steps the authority is putting in place to achieve its vision, including its new SEND Academy.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose 2A, 2B or 2C)
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2A: Improving outcomes and opportunities for deaf children
Presentation
Join the winners of the 2023 Children & Young People Now Early Years Award, Auditory Verbal UK, to understand how outcomes and opportunities have been improved for pre-school deaf children. Learn from their experience of delivering family-centred support through online platforms and in person. Participants will have the opportunity to see part of a therapy session in action.
Speakers
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2B: Supporting children back into education: Positive journeys start with Pathways
Presentation
By providing a trans-disciplinary approach, Chadsgrove School in Bromsgrove has successfully managed to support young people experiencing emotional-based school avoidance back into education. This session will focus on the team’s unique, stepped approach to a pupil's journey from home to classroom.
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2C: Children and young people’s voice and influence in strategic decision-making
Presentation
Members of the Department for Education-funded FLARE (Friendship, Learning, Achieve, Reach and Empower) group for young people with SEND will share their experiences of being part of a national strategic advisory group. Find out how and why they became involved in the group, who they engage with and the changes they have seen in policy development. Hear their advice to professionals and practitioners who want to develop their own skills and knowledge of youth participation.
Young people from the FLARE group with Joanna Carr, Assistant Director, Participation, Council for Disabled Children
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Refreshments and exhibitor viewing
Break
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THE BIG DEBATE: Re-imagining assessment in education
Presentation
Assessments and exams shape young people's lives from the early years up but is the current system fit for purpose especially when it comes measuring the achievements and progress of pupils with SEND? This session will explore alternative approaches to assessment, how these could work in practice and the difference this would make to young people with SEND.
Speakers
chief executive, Support and Mentoring Enable Entrepreneurship
Chair of the South West Regional Stakeholder Network for the Cabinet Office’s Disability Unit
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Sum-up and close of conference
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