Hilary Spencer

CEO, Ambition Institute

Hilary is the CEO of Ambition Institute, and has previously held senior roles in education policy, professional development, and equalities. As a charity, Ambition Institute’s focus is on tackling educational inequality. Since March 2019, Ambition has worked with over 100,000 teachers, and with more than half of all schools in the country. The organisation supports teachers and leaders across their careers with high quality, evidence-based professional development, from initial teacher training to trust leadership. As well as a wide range of professional development programmes, Ambition delivers innovative pilot initiatives, a portfolio of robust research, and wider sector engagement to support equality. SEND and inclusion are long-standing priorities for Ambition, and the team is pleased to have worked with CST on publications like Five principles for inclusion, and convening the Inclusion in Practice hub.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

The SEND reforms and inclusive teaching

This session, chaired by Tom Rees, will focus on the SEND reforms and inclusive teaching. Tom will be joined by Hilary Spencer and Professor Becky Francis to discuss their respective approaches to inclusive teaching based on Ambition Institute’s Inclusive Teaching Framework and EEF’s Inclusive Teaching Guide. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for SEND, education, school improvement, and inclusive classrooms, including chief executives and directors of education.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Creating the SEND provision continuum: opportunities and challenges

Successful reform of the SEND system will depend on strong, proactive collaboration and connection across mainstream, special, and alternative provision. Together, we need to provide flexible pathways to meet more of the needs of our children and young people. In this session, you’ll be involved in the conversation as trust leaders explore the opportunities and challenges of maximising expertise and knowledge from across education, to break down sector silos and build a continuum of SEND provision. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for SEND provision, and those interested in system leadership, including chief executives and directors of education.