Strengthening Inclusive Practice: Cheviot Learning Trust collaborative SEND Conference

Last term, St James’ Park in Newcastle became a hub of educational excellence as 220 delegates gathered for the "Assess | Adapt | Adjust" SEND Conference. The event, a high-impact collaboration between Three Rivers Professional Development Institute at Cheviot Learning Trust, and Newcastle Research School at NEAT Academy Trust, focused on one clear goal: inclusive practice that works.

Supported by the North East Combined Authority, the conference brought together Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENDCOs), school leaders, and practitioners from across the region. The day was designed to bridge the gap between high-level research and classroom reality, receiving excellent feedback from attendees for its practical focus on improving outcomes for all learners.

Expert Insights and Evidence-Based Practice

The conference featured a prestigious lineup of speakers who challenged and inspired the 220-strong audience:

• Keynote Speaker David Bartram OBE, a renowned SEND consultant, provided expert guidance on strategic leadership of SEND provision.

• Guest Speaker Prof. Jason Arday from the University of Cambridge shared powerful insights into creating truly inclusive educational environments.

The "Assess | Adapt | Adjust" theme ran through every session, emphasising that high-quality teaching for SEND pupils is simply high-quality teaching for everyone. Delegates explored how to use evidence-based research to make precise adjustments to their curriculum and teaching methods.

One delegate summarised the day perfectly:

"Being at St James’ Park with over 200 colleagues all focused on inclusion was incredibly powerful. The combination of research and practical 'next steps' means we return to our schools better equipped to support every pupil."

As we look ahead, Cheviot Learning Trust remains dedicated to leading these collaborative projects, working together to improve our offer and ensure that no child is left behind.