SEND Conference 2026

This year’s event brings together practitioners and educators for a day focused on SEND reform, foundations of universal and equitable learning, and an expert's insight into improved assessment of needs. 

This conference day is designed to cut through the noise and give you high-impact, manageable strategies you can implement the very next day.

Whether you want to master the upcoming SEND reforms, sharpen your assessment skills, or make your classroom environment work harder for you, this session is for you.

The Day at a Glance

Session 1: Foundations of Universal and Equitable Learning - Billing Brook School

True inclusion starts with a robust universal offer. We will explore what FUEL means in practice and why a strong foundation benefits every learner, not just those with identified SEND.

• Beyond the Label: Why high-quality universal design raises the baseline for the whole class.
• The 7 Core Elements: 
  1. Environment
  2. Transitions
  3. Emotional Regulation
  4. Communication & Interaction
  5. Task Breakdown
  6. Tailored Resources
  7. Structure & Organisation
• Real-World Implementation: How to implement, build consistency and gain staff buy-in.
• Audit Your Practice: Time to reflect on your current provision—what is already secure, and what needs strengthening?

Session 2: SEND Reform – What You Actually Need to Know

• The Big Picture: A brief overview of the proposed reforms and what they mean for your school.
• Reading Between the Lines: How to prepare for change, including the critical elements the White Paper doesn't tell you.
• Your Immediate Action Plan: Practical things we can do now and into next year to stay ahead of the curve.
• Collaborative Q&A: A chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and problem-solve with peers.

Session 3: Expert Insight – Sharpening Our Assessment of Needs

• The Assessment Trap: The true purpose of accurate assessment—and the common pitfalls schools fall into.
• Core Approaches that underpin accurate assessment.
• Toolkit: Practical, easy-to-use tools for assessing a variety of needs.
• Theory into Practice: Dedicated workshop time to apply these tools to your context, collaborate with other schools, and make them work for your specific students.

What You Will Walk Away With:

• Immediate Impact: Strategies you can use in your classroom the very next morning.
• Clarity: A clear understanding of upcoming national changes and how to navigate them.
• Connection: Time to reflect, share, and learn alongside colleagues from other schools.