Schedule 2026
Welcome and introduction
Presenter: Rebecca Friesen, Assistant Professor, CTE
Joining link: https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/dsno6j1
Title: Inclusion and the quest for a better tomorrow!
Keynote lecture: Rebecca Diaz Safeguarding and Inclusion lead for Finham Park MAT.
Outline:
Rebecca Diaz will give an overview of inclusive practice, looking at why inclusion is important, what it might look like and considering some of the challenges.
Facilitator: Rebecca Friesen
Joining Link:
Presenter: Deborah Roberts, Associate Professor, CTE
Session resources:
Joining Link:
https://frp-smart.newrow.com/#/room/dsno6j1
This session is followed by a 15 minute break
Presenter:
Marilena Richards Advisory Teacher EMAS Coventry
Title:
Strategies for supporting newly arrived multilingual learners
Outline:
In this session we will be looking at different strategies to support newly arrived learners using English as an Additional Language in primary and secondary classrooms so they can access the mainstream curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge and skills. We will explore how to plan for an inclusive environment, be Ofsted ready and share effective strategies to engage new arrivals from the outset.
Phase: All
Session Type: Lecture
Facilitator: Julie Taylor
Session Link: Session 1A
Presenter: Sam Kendall, Sherbourne Fields School
Title: Communication Strategies and Techniques
Outline:
We will explore some of the common barriers young people with additional needs may face with regards to their communication, how we as practitioners can be mindful of this and some of the techniques and resources which can support a total communication environment.
Phase: All
Session Type: Seminar
Facilitator: Mark Harris
Session Link: Session 1B
Presenter: Dr Gemma Gray, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick
Title: Understanding and Supporting learners with ADHD
Outline:
ADHD can present challenges in the classroom for both teachers and children, but often less discussed are the strengths that children with ADHD have. In this session we’ll explore both sides of ADHD characteristics, talk about the variability of the condition across children, and some common co-occurring conditions. We’ll also talk about how ADHD impacts on children’s learning and behaviour, and some strategies to help children to engage positively in the classroom.
Phase: All
Session Type: Seminar
Facilitator: Joanna Pellereau
Session Link: Session 1C
Presenter: Bridget Thornhill, Senior Teacher for Dyslexia, Cognition and Learning Team at Nottinghamshire County Council
Identifying and Supporting Dyslexic Learners in Mainstream Settings
Outline:
Phase: All
Session Type: Lecture
Facilitator: Anna Donnelly
Presenter: Kate Foxon and Sarah Rose, Corley Academy, Corley
Title: Adapting a Challenging Secondary Curriculum and Supporting Literacy for students with autism
Outline:
This seminar aims to identify some of the main barriers to learning encountered by students with autism within the context of the more challenging secondary curriculums they face. We will initially explore trainees' experiences of autism and co-occurring conditions with opportunities throughout the session to ask questions or seek clarity. A key focus will also be on how we can ensure that, as literacy skills are needed to access much of the curriculum, autistic students are able to navigate this through our adaptive teaching.
Phase: Secondary
Session Type: Lecture
Facilitator: Vikki Armeson
Session Link: Session 1E
These sessions are followed by a 15 minute break.
Presenter: Jeanna Weller Advisory Teacher EMAS Coventry
Title: Strategies for supporting newly arrived multilingual learners
Outline:
In this session we will be looking at different strategies to support newly arrived learners using English as an Additional Language in primary and secondary classrooms so they can access the mainstream curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge and skills. We will explore how to plan for an inclusive environment, be Ofsted ready and share effective strategies to engage new arrivals from the outset!
PLEASE NOTE: This is a repeat of session 1A
Phase: All
Session Type: Lecture
Facilitator: Julie Taylor
Session Link: Session 2A
Presenters: Karen Wright and Hannah Cockburn, Hearing Team, Integrated Disability Service, Warwickshire County Council
Title: Supporting Pupils with a Hearing Loss
Outline:
In this deaf awareness training session, we will introduce trainees to the degree and nature of hearing loss in order to understand the support needs of learners with hearing loss. We will examine the implications of hearing loss in an educational setting and explore strategies that can be used to support full inclusion for pupils with a hearing loss.
Phase: All
Session Type: Seminar
Facilitator: Mark Harris
Session link: Session 2B
Presenter: Jennifer Murch, CEO Hold Fast Education Ltd.
Title: Breaking Barriers: The role of alternative provision in tackling exclusion rate
Outline:
Phase: All
Session Type: Lecture with discussion
Facilitator: Alison Morgan
Session Link: Session 2C
Presenter: Bridget Thornhill, Senior Teacher for Dyslexia, Cognition and Learning Team at Nottinghamshire County Council
Title:
Identifying and Supporting Dyslexic Learners in Mainstream Settings
Outline:
Phase: All
Session Type: Lecture
Facilitator: Anna Donnelly
Session Link: Session 2D
Presenter: Alison Betts, National Coordinator, Whole School SEND, NASEN
Title: Inclusion and Belonging
Outline:
Inclusion, belonging, and equity are not just policy words, they are lived experiences that shape whether children feel safe, valued, and able to thrive. In this session we will consider how the smallest actions, a greeting, a flexible routine, a moment of listening, can make the biggest difference to a learner’s sense of belonging. We’ll connect these everyday practices to the wider frameworks, from the Equality Act to the SEND Code of Practice, so you can see how values translate into professional responsibility. The session explores how to balance organisational expectations with your own values, and how to build classrooms where every learner feels: “I matter here.”
Phase:
Session Type: Seminar
Facilitator: Rebecca Friesen
Session Link: Session 2E
These sessions are followed by a 45 minute lunch break.
Presenter: Alison Morgan and Emily Davies
Title: Your First Steps Towards Embedding Anti-Racist Practice
Outline:
This session builds on the RiA conference which introduced the areas of curriculum, pedagogies and organisational structures through the lens of anti-racism. This workshop provides trainees with the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and consider their next steps for the implementation of anti-racist approaches in their teaching.
Phase: All
Session Type: Workshop
Session Link: Session 3A
Presenter: Jen Rowan-Lancaster
Title: Challenging heteronormativity by using LGBTUA+ inclusive terminology in the teaching space.
Outline:
This session aims to develop trainee teacher understanding of LBGTQUIA+ terminology so that, by the end of the session, this increased knowledge will develop trainee teacher confidence in using LGBTQUIA+ language and develop inclusive practice.
Phase: All
Session Type: Seminar
Session link: Session 3B
Presenter: Saatchi Vaghela, Head of Year 8 and Teacher of History and English at Oakley School, Leamington Spa
Title: Emotion Coaching and De-Escalation
Outline: This session will cover: why de-escalation can be more effective than empty sanctions, proactive prevention of heightened emotions in students, recognising heightened emotions, methods of de-escalation and meaningful restoration with students.
Phase: All
Session Type: Workshop
Facilitator: Sherine Oakes
Session Link: Session 3C
Presenter: Amanda Gallager, Training and Consultation Practicioner, Compass Shine, Coventry
Title: Understanding emotional Wellbeing in Children and Young People
Outline:
Phase: All
Session Type: Seminar
Facilitator: Rachel Cooper
Session Link: Session 3D
Presenter: Jayne Gazey-French, Assistant Head Teacher, Teaching and Learning, Two Rivers High School
Title: Strategies to support cognitive load for pupils with SEND
Outline:
The session will focus on how cognitive load theory can be applied in the teaching space with emphasis on pupils with SEND. We will delve into barriers to learning and find solutions to support pupils. There will be an emphasis on practical support with opportunity to discuss real-life scenarios.
Phase: All
Session Type: Workshop
Facilitator: Jo Dobb
Session Link: Session 3E
Session Link: Plenary
Conference feedback
Head over to Moodle to complete the brief survey and to unlock your Inclusion conference digital badge.
