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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.

£195 +VAT – Early Bird price (available until Friday, 31st October 2025)

£233.50 +VAT – Full Price (from Saturday 1st November 2025)

 

Not able to attend this time? Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified about the next event.

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

Nina Jackson is an experienced educator with a background in both mainstream and special needs education, widely recognised for her work on mental health and wellbeing in schools.

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:

  • Nicola Randall – Getting the Start Right: Inclusive Beginnings in the Primary Maths Classroom
  • Sarah-Jane Ferguson – Unconditional Positive Regard: Tools to Take into School as a SENCO
  • Maria Griffin – Inclusive Early Years Environments: Lighting the Way for Every Learner
  • Chris Carter – AI for Inclusion: Supporting SEND Learners with Generative Tools
  • Kirstin Snook – Lighting the Way in English
  • Anna Mapley – Illuminating Understanding: Inclusive Vocabulary Strategies for Science Classrooms

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.

 

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.