South West SENCo Conference: The inclusive school: Using action research to support children and young people with SEND

This inaugural South West SENCo conference promotes the role of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo’s) in improving practice for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We question what works in schools and how we can draw on research and examples from practice to drive school improvement. It is in this light that SENCos hold a strategic role to lead on SEND in order to improve practice and outcomes for children and young people.

This conference provides a forum for local authority staff, educational leaders, SENCos and practitioners to share ideas and practice, to network and ask questions with colleagues across six counties.

SENCos from across the region will share their action research on a range of topics from provision mapping to pupil voice, managing transitions to using creativity as a tool for supporting self regulation.

Our keynote speakers Dr Liz Done and Dr Helen Knowler considering how routine school practices can become exclusionary, for example, managed moves and part-time timetabling and how such practices reflect a concern with school performance data and league table ranking rather than inclusion.

Outline agenda

14:00 - Welcome, introductions, housekeeping

14:10 - Keynote speakers: Dr Liz Done and Dr Helen Knowler - Exclusionary practice and the role of the SENCo

14:55 - Q&A

15:10 - Setting the scene for action research

15:20 - Break

15:30 - Breakout rooms for parallel sessions:

• Parallel Session 1 - Interventions - This session includes speakers on the topics of Lego Therapy, using IPads, Creative Arts and Forest School

• Parallel Session 2 - Planning - This session includes speakers on the topics of Provision Mapping, Pupil Voice, Improving the identification of needs, and supporting pupils with SEND

• Parallel Session 3 - Transitions and Universal provision - This session includes speakers on the topics of Transitions, Supporting Children with Trauma, Problem Solving and Quality First Teaching

16:45 – Return to the main room for closing remarks

17:00 - Finish

Register for a place via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west-senco-conference-tickets-479112186447

The University of Exeter is a collaborating partner with the lead event organiser, University of Plymouth.