The theme of this year’s conference is ‘diversity, difference, dynamics’, recognising both the very wide range of provision and context for leaders, and the diverse experiences of young people with SEND whom they serve. SEND is just the beginning of the story in terms of the ways in which one young person will differ from another. Throughout the conference programme participants will explore and be offered insights into the enormous breadth of challenges faced by young people and their educators, condensed into this very general heading of SEND.

There is a range of carefully commissioned workshops on offer which are designed to inspire, stimulate and empower all those working with pupils with SEND. They will be led by experts in these areas.  

Attendees will be able to share cutting edge educational thinking and examples of effective practice, be informed and help shape the NAHT's priorities in relation to the leadership of SEND, take advantage of nNetworking and collaboration opportunities and take away practical advice, ideas and support.

This event is running back-to-back with NAHT's Autism and girls - many voices conference 2019 - to see details of this event please click here.

To book to attend both events at a special offer price please click here. 

There will be an optional Q&A session, drinks reception and dinner the evening before conference where delegates can hear from SEN experts and put forward their questions during the Q&A session. This is followed by a drinks reception and networking dinner and the after-dinner speaker will be Dr Rona Tutt OBE. 

This conference is ideal for school leaders in all types of schools and SEN support services, across early years, primary, secondary and post-16 settings.

Conference programme:
Tuesday 2nd April 
1700 - Expert Q&A session
1900 - Drinks reception, exhibition viewing and dinner - After dinner speaker - Dr Rona Tutt OBE 

Wednesday 3rd April 
0815 - Registration and exhibition viewing
0900 - Conference welcome - Marijke Miles 
0915 - Keynote speaker - Kamini Gadhok - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy
0945 - Break and exhibition viewing
1015 - Workshop 1
1125 - Workshop 2
1225 - Lunch and exhibition viewing
1325 - Keynote speaker - Dr Bernadka Dubicka - Royal College of Psychiatrists
1400 - Workshop 3
1500 - Break and exhibition viewing
1530 - Dean Beadle - International speaker and trainer
1600 - Conference closes

Please note the programme may be subject to change. 

Keynote speakers include:
• Marijke Miles - Welcome
• Kamini Gadhock - Implementing Bercow 10 years on: Taking a system wide approach to improving outcomes for children and young people with SLCN
• Dr Bernadka Dubicka - Bridging the divide - how whole systems need to work together for our most vulnerable children and young people
• Dean Beadle - The how and why of working with autistic children: understanding social/emotional needs, how to meet them and why celebrating diversity is key.

During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to attend three of the eight specially commissioned workshops. These workshops are designed to inspire, stimulate and empower those working with pupils with SEND and to share current educational thinking and good practice.

• Developments in Reducing Risk, Restraint and Restriction - Bernard Allen   
• Reflecting on what we are learning from school and local area SEND inspections and thinking about the future - Nick Whittaker
• Diversity: considering the co-existing conditions in children - Barry Carpenter
• Being deaf or vision impaired isn't an excuse for poor achievement - so how can you demonstrate progress? - Lesley Gallagher
• Avoiding exclusions - practical strategies for all settings - Sarah Jane Critchley  
• The long-term consequences of premature birth: What teachers need to know - Dr Samantha Johnson (please note that this is a seminar) 
• 'Sexuality - your laws do not apply to me' - How do we support young people with SEND who identify as LGBTQ? - Claire Dorer
• 'Bringing about bespoke' supporting learners with physical disabilities - Jane Carter & Di Caesar.

Please note workshops are subject to availability.