Annual SEND conference
Sandy Park Conference Centre was buzzing with over 200 delegates, exhibitors and speakers. Following Hannah Chamings’ (SEN and Disabilities Adviser, DCC) welcome, Rachel Shaw and Jackie Ross opened the event with a Devon SEND update and Rachael Sharpe from Alumnis MAT shared with us how they have been developing their inclusive practises through universal provision and adaptive teaching.
Our two keynote speakers inspired and motivated the delegates to go back into school with enthusiasm and some great new strategies.
In the morning Gary Aubin (Head of SEND at Future Academies, EEF SEND Associate and author of The Lone SENCo) explored the role of evidence within the teaching of pupils with SEND, and addressed the questions ‘According to the best available evidence, what should teachers be doing in their lessons for pupils with SEND? What might ‘high-quality teaching’ look like for these pupils?’.
In the afternoon Chris Bonnello (autistic advocate, writer, speaker, trainer and former teacher) discussed the art of accommodating young autistic people the way they deserve and offered insights into how to help them navigate a system that was largely built without them in mind.
There were also opportunities to attend workshops, delivered by Devon’s Educational Psychologist Team, Education Welfare Service, Communication and Interaction Team and keynote speaker Gary Aubin.
Fantastic feedback:
“The conference was full of hope and positive spirit, in what are undeniably difficult times. From the quality of LA speakers to the engagement of participants, this felt like a coming together of colleagues with a clear commitment to getting inclusion right. It was also an impressively organised conference. From my initial contact with Devon colleagues to the way I was looked after on the day, there was a calm sense of planning throughout. I felt well looked after and felt it a privilege to be able to speak to so many colleagues. Congratulations.” (feedback from one of our speakers)
“This conference always inspires me to get back to school and fight for SEND all over again!” (delegate feedback)
“Such a great day at Devon’s SEND Conference with inspirational presentations from Gary Aubin and Chris Bonnello, along with useful workshops on the importance of oracy and relational practice.” (delegate feedback via social media)
“Thoroughly enjoyed your workshop today [Gary Aubin]. Some really useful strategies for achieving whole school impact.” (delegate feedback via social media)
“Thought provoking DES SEND Conference today. “We can’t go back and change the beginning, but we can start where we are and change the ending.” Keynote speakers @SENDMattersUK @AutisticNW [Gary and Chris] really inspired with powerful strategies in high quality teaching and autism.” (delegate feedback via social media)
