Engage in their future National Conference 2025

Engage in their future

Connecting the Dots: Holistic Inclusion for Children, Families and Communities

William Henry Smith School

Join us for Connecting the Dots, a conference dedicated to exploring holistic and inclusive approaches that support children, families and communities. Through inspiring discussions, expert insights and practical strategies, we’ll examine how collaboration across education, health and social care can drive meaningful change.We are offering an early bird discounted price of £80 for bookings made before the end of April 2025. After this date, the price will increase to £90. <h3>Keynote Speakers </h3><ul><li>Steph Roberts-Bibby – An experienced leader in children’s services, Steph will open the conference by celebrating the positive impact of inclusive provisions and the role of relational approaches in supporting children and families. </li><li>Adam Sproston – Bringing insights from Ofsted, Adam will explore the latest priorities in SEND, inclusion and inspection frameworks, providing key updates on policy and practice. </li><li>Mari Davis – A specialist in education policy, Maria will discuss the Schools Bill and its impact on children’s wellbeing, focusing on the role of schools in fostering holistic support. </li><li>Katie Clarke – A passionate advocate for parental involvement, Katie will highlight the importance of working collaboratively with families to enhance outcomes for children and young people.</li></ul> <h3>Workshops</h3>Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in interactive workshops, led by experts in alternative provision, SEND, inclusion and attendance. These sessions offer practical strategies and opportunities to engage in discussions around best practice. Workshops include: <ul><li>Sarah Armitage – Pure Potential: Revealing what’s possible – finding clarity below the chaos. Exploring ways to unlock potential and promote resilience in children and young people. </li></ul><ul><li>Inclusive Attendance – Wayne Harris: Establishing an Exemplary Inclusive Attendance Culture. Explore how to create a child-centred attendance culture built on collective responsibility and inclusive practice. </li></ul><ul><li>Younes Henini – Stone Soup Academy: Insights into alternative provision and how it supports young people who require a different approach to education. </li></ul><ul><li>Adrian Sugden &amp; Sallie Dodd – Woodley School: A session focused on Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and strategies to create inclusive learning environments. </li></ul><ul><li>Tom Gilbody: A practical discussion on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), understanding its impact and effective ways to support young people. </li></ul><ul><li>Amy Carr: ‘Square Pegs, Round Holes’: A qualitative case study investigating pupils with ADHD and their perception of barriers to inclusion in classrooms in the North of England. Exploring young people’s voices and suggestions on improving inclusive practice. </li></ul><ul><li>Heather Clarke &amp; Jim Cameron: Interdisciplinary practice: An interactive workshop using play, creativity and neuro-affirming language to deepen our understanding of learners with SEMH. Connecting the practice of creative Psychotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy to explore holistic and inclusive approaches to intervention. </li></ul><ul><li>Carole Howes, Chatty Learning: Explore how language difficulties underpin SEMH challenges. Discover the vital role of secure attachment in communication development and gain practical strategies to support children with complex needs. </li></ul><ul><li>Christina Smith: Sensory processing, its impact on participation and ways to create sensory inclusive environments. </li><li>Natalie Jenson, Potential Plus UK Identifying and Supporting Dual and Multiple Exceptional Learners: explore typical characteristics and consider real life examples in the students you teach; experiment with practical activities that can be used in the classroom to ensure your DME learners have opportunities to aim high and reach their potential.</li></ul> The Engage National Conference 2025 is a must-attend for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of inclusive education and holistic support.

Agenda

Registration, Breakfast & Networking

Welcome & Housekeeping from Sue Ackroyd & Sharon Gray

Steph Roberts-Bibby: Celebrating the positive impact of our provisions

Adam Sproston: SEND, Inclusion and Ofsted's Focus 

Break & Networking

Mari Davis: Children's Wellbeing and the Schools Bill

Workshop 1

Lunch & Networking

Workshop 2

Katie Clarke: The importance of working collaboratively with families

Closing remarks

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