SEND and Inclusion Conference 2026: Vision to practice: Leading inclusive trusts

Themed on Vision to practice: Leading inclusive trusts, the conference explored how trust leaders can act as agents of change, responding to the evolving policy environment and developing inclusive practice that serves every child.

196

delegates

28

speakers

15

sessions

Great opportunity to network and take protective time to reflect on my practice.

There were so many thinking points, speakers who inspired me and gave me motivation to step back into school and get busy driving the Inclusion agenda. Thank you!

The CST SEND and Inclusion Conference in Birmingham was a genuine pleasure to be part of and a powerful reminder of the importance of imagination, equity, inclusion, and transformative change within education. It was inspiring to spend time with so many like-minded professionals who remain committed to ensuring every child is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive. The conversations throughout the day reinforced the importance of relationships, compassionate leadership, and collaborative working to support children, young people, and their families.

Inspiring keynotes

Main-stage sessions explored:

Building an inclusive school system in response to SEND reform
Moving from policy to practice in trusts, schools and specialist provision
Rethinking attitudes to learning disabilities and championing dignity, individuality and human value
he link between early experience, neuroscience and later development

Focused workshops

Breakout sessions included:

Implementing reasonable adjustments with clarity and consistency
Quality assuring enhanced provision and strengthening child-centred classroom practice
Maximising the strategic impact and sustainability of the SENCO role
Developing the specialist workforce, alternative provision and inclusion bases for a reformed system
Building curriculum models and distributed leadership approaches that support pupils with complex needs

Making connections

Attendees had the opportunity to:

Engage in discussions with sector experts, policymakers and trust leaders
Share practical approaches to leading inclusive provision across trusts
Explore strategies for strengthening accountability, ownership and collaboration in SEND leadership
Network with colleagues and leading suppliers to the sector

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Join us for 2027

We would love to see you at our next SEND and Inclusion Conference, taking place on Tuesday 18 May 2027 at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.