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12 Feb 2026 09:30 - 16:00

Fielder Centre, Hatfield, AL10 9TP

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Back by popular demand in a successful face-to-face format, SEND Conference 2026 brings together SENCOs, inclusion leads, and school leaders working across all phases and settings to explore how to strengthen and lead effective SEN provision.

This year’s theme “Illuminating Inclusion: Schools as Lighthouses for Learners with SEND” explores how education settings can lead change in a system that demands more inclusion, more adaptability, and more equity. With a mix of national speakers, practitioner-led workshops, and collaborative sessions, the programme offers clear strategies to support all learners with SEND and feel prepared for the change and challenge presented by the “inclusive mainstream schools” agenda. 

Whether you're refining your current approach or responding to new policy, this conference offers practical guidance grounded in evidence, expertise, and experience.

Tickets cost £233.50 +VAT per person and can be booked through the HFL Hub. 

SEND conference agenda
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Claire Gadsby - Doing What Works: A practical toolkit of adaptive teaching strategies to help meet the needs of all learners

Claire Gadsby is a nationally respected education consultant, trainer, and author, known for her work on formative assessment, time-efficient feedback and learning environments. In this keynote, Claire will present a practical toolkit of adaptive teaching strategies that SENCOs and teachers across early years, primary, and secondary can use to create more inclusive, responsive classrooms.

Nina Jackson - Access All Areas: Belonging, Celebration and Self Care for everyone

Nina Jackson is an international education consultant who has a breathtaking grasp of what makes classrooms, children and their teachers tick. She's a leading practitioner in all areas of teaching and learning with expertise in special educational needs and mental health and wellbeing. In her keynote, Nina explores how schools can help every child find their voice and communicate meaningfully, placing wellbeing, purposeful relationships, and resilience at the heart of lifelong learning.

Glynis Lloyd - Integrating EAL and SEND Provision

Glynis Lloyd is an experienced education professional and trainer at The Bell Foundation, with a background in English language teaching, teacher development and applied linguistics. In this session, she will explore how schools can develop more inclusive education by aligning English as an Additional Language (EAL) and SEND provision, ensuring that learners with complex, overlapping needs are accurately identified and effectively supported.
The Bell Foundation

Workshops

Alongside keynotes, the conference features a series of practical workshops exploring inclusive practice across early years, primary, and secondary. 

Sessions include:

  • Getting the Start Right: Inclusive Beginnings in the Primary Maths Classroom
    Nicola Randall, Teaching and Learning Adviser (mathematics), HFL Education
  • Unconditional Positive Regard: Tools to Take into School as a SENCO
    Sarah-Jane Ferguson, Behaviour, Inclusion and Community Engagement Adviser, HFL Education
  • Inclusive Early Years Environments: Lighting the Way for Every Learner
    Maria Griffin, Early Years Adviser, HFL Education
  • AI for Inclusion: Supporting SEND Learners with Generative Tools
    Chris Carter, EdTech Adviser, HFL Education
  • Lighting the Way in English
    Kirsten Snook, Primary English Teaching and Learning Adviser, HFL Education
  • Illuminating Understanding: Inclusive Vocabulary Strategies for Science Classrooms
    Anna Mapley, Secondary Science Adviser, HFL Education

These sessions span early years, primary and secondary phases, and cover everything from subject-specific strategies to leadership tools for SENCOs. All are led by experienced educators and provide practical approaches delegates can implement in their own settings.

The full list of workshops is available in the agenda here.

 

Learning objectives

  • Engage with national research and policy updates on SEND
  • Participate in targeted workshops for SENCOs and senior leaders
  • Explore current challenges in inclusive practice and practical solutions
  • Develop actionable plans to strengthen whole-school inclusion
  • Connect with other peers committed to equity in education

 

Further information

Please contact the HFL Events team at events@hfleducation.org or call 01438 544477.