Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter, was buzzing with over 270 delegates, exhibitors, and speakers on 6 June 2024 for the Devon Education Services annual SEND conference: Leading transformation together. This was a record number of attendees for the conference which is 24% up on last year numbers.
Hannah Chamings (SEN and Disabilities Adviser, Devon County Council) welcomed our guests, followed by a Devon SEND update by Kellie Knott and Ceri Morgan.
Natalie Packer from NPEC Ltd, shared a whole school approach into embedding SEND with an all-inclusive culture involving all leaders and governors whilst reflecting on the quality of SEND leadership and provision in your school.
This was followed by a briefing to schools regarding the introduction in the new school year of a framework designed to help schools enhance the support that is ordinarily available for all their pupils, including those with SEND.
Finishing off the morning our delegates had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops with some top experts in their field, delivered by Devon’s SEND Team, NPEC Ltd, ADHD Foundation and the Devon Information and Advice Service, (DiAS).
After a rather delicious lunch and another round of workshops the afternoon was finished off with Mikey Akers sharing his lived experience of SEND through school. With a diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech, Mikey shared his experience of accessing support throughout his school and college life. His first-hand experience on how living with a severe neurological speech disorder impacted on his time in the classroom.
Our speakers inspired and motivated the delegates to go back into school with enthusiasm and some great new strategies.
Fantastic feedback:
“Inspiring! It’s perfectly timed in the year to ignite the fire in your belly - when everyone is feeling tired and run down. Thank you!” (delegate feedback)
“It was a great opportunity to hear the headlines in DCC and nationally. Also, to consider the detail of our setting through the workshops. The venue and facilities made it feel valued and important, despite current financial pressures.” (delegate feedback)
“A great chance to hear about new initiatives, keep up to date with relevant information and learn new strategies” (delegate feedback)
If you are interested in attending our SEND conference next year which is Thursday 12th June 2025, visit the booking page on our website.
