This online conference will examine the future for SEND provision in England.

Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss the Government’s response to feedback it has received from its consultation on the SEND and Alternative Provision green paper, which is expected shortly in the form of an Improvement Plan.

They will consider what will be needed if government proposals are to achieve the aims of:
• improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, including those in alternative provision
• creating an easy to navigate system that provides a positive experience for SEND students and their families
• providing value for money within the system.

The conference will also be an opportunity for an early assessment of the new Area SEND Inspection Framework being rolled out by Ofsted and the CQC.

Keynote sessions will be with André Imich, SEN and Disability Professional Adviser, Department for Education; Dr Tina Pagett HMI, Specialist Adviser, SEND and Area SEND, Ofsted; and Annamarie Hassall, Chief Executive, Nasen; and Chair, Whole School SEND.

Areas of discussion include:
• joint working: implementation of local SEND partnerships proposed in the green paper - developing collaborative relationships between local government, education, and health and social care
• alternative provision: integration into local SEND systems, as proposed by government - the development of a single SEND and AP system with nationally-consistent standards
• the future of EHC Plans: the way forward for digitalisation - reducing bureaucracy
• funding priorities: assessing funding at a local level - expanding funding for targeted support, new school places, and high-needs provision
• inspection: implementation of Ofsted and CQC’s new inspection framework
• early intervention: support for early years staff to identify students with additional needs - identifying what works - sharing best practice - improving standards in mainstream schools
• young people’s experiences in navigating the system: achieving improvements - reducing delays in accessing support - reduction of bureaucracy - increasing the confidence of parents and carers
• the SEND workforce: improving expertise and leadership - support and mentoring for staff - the rollout of proposed new SENco National Professional Qualifications
• student outcomes: raising literacy and numeracy levels for pupils with SEND
• progression pathways:
     ◦ easing the transition to further study, employment and adulthood - improving careers guidance for SEND students
     ◦ the supported internships programme - piloting and potential rollout of adjustment passports.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DfE; DWP; GLD; HMCTS SEND Tribunal; House of Commons Library; and Ofsted.