The 2025 SEND conference, held on Thursday 12th June at Sandy Park, Exeter, was a resounding success—bringing together over 300 delegates, exhibitors, and speakers for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and learning. This record-breaking attendance is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Devon schools to inclusive education and the shared vision of empowering all learners.
Under the theme “Empowering Inclusive Learning Communities,” the conference featured a dynamic programme of three powerful keynotes and two interactive workshop sessions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt stories that resonated deeply with attendees.
Highlights included:
- Mark Finnis opened the day with a compelling keynote on building a culture of belonging through restorative and relational practice—reminding us that inclusion starts in the room we’re in.
- Sarah Lord and Kristel Norris introduced the Four Cornerstones Approach, emphasizing genuine partnerships between families, practitioners, and young people.
- George King, known as the “Shard Climber,” closed the day with an unforgettable keynote on transforming neurodiversity from hindrance to superpower, sharing his personal journey with ADHD and the strength found in embracing difference.
The workshops offered rich, hands-on learning across five key areas:
- Pupil voice and meaningful participation
- Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and the ATTEND Framework
- Understanding neurodivergence in educational settings
- Relational approaches to support dysregulation
- Building relationships through the Four Cornerstones model
Throughout the day, the energy was palpable—fuelled by passionate discussions, shared experiences, and a collective drive to make education more inclusive and supportive for every child.
As we reflect on another record-breaking year, it’s clear that the SEND Conference continues to grow not just in numbers, but in impact. It’s fantastic to see the dedication of Devon’s schools and professionals in creating environments where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued.
Some feedback so far;
‘ Very inspiring and lots to take away to implement back in school.’
‘A great opportunity to network with colleagues and other professionals. Key note speakers are always very inspiring and the workshops provide time to focus on key areas.’
‘Fantastic - children and families were at the heart of the conference’
‘It was my first conference and it exceeded my expectations. The workshops were informative and the guest speakers were inspiring and entertaining.’
‘Thank you so much - I have come away with lots of things to reflect on to better serve our children and families.’
