Conference programme
08:45 Registration, refreshments and exhibition
09:20 Welcome and Introduction - Hannah Chamings, SEND Adviser, Devon County Council
09:30 Devon SEND update - Kellie Knott, Deputy and SEND Strategic Director, Inclusion and Learning
09:45 What is needed for some, benefits all: Adaptive teaching that works for every learner - Amjad Ali, Trust Training and Inclusion Lead, Chiltern Learning Trust
Teacher, Trainer, TEDx Speaker, Author of A Little Guide for Teachers: SEND in School
Adaptive teaching is not about creating multiple lessons for multiple learners. It is about designing teaching that removes barriers, improves access and ensures every learner can succeed.
This keynote explores the principle that what is needed for some, benefits all.
Too often, inclusion is treated as an intervention for a small group of identified pupils rather than the foundation of excellent teaching. In reality, the strategies that support our most vulnerable learners—clarity, routine, explicit instruction, scaffolding, modelling, vocabulary development and strong relationships—improve outcomes for every student in the classroom.
This session will challenge the misconception that adaptive teaching lowers expectations. Instead, it will show how high expectations and high support must work together.
Drawing on evidence-informed practice, classroom experience and leadership insight, the keynote will explore how adaptive teaching strengthens curriculum access, improves behaviour, supports belonging and creates consistency across classrooms.
Because inclusive practice is not about doing something extra. It is about doing the right things, deliberately, consistently and well.
When we move from differentiation as paperwork to adaptation as professional practice, we create classrooms where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
10:45 Refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:15 Ordinarily available inclusive provision (OAIP) Whole conference workshop: Listening, Learning, Leading - Facilitated by the Devon Inclusion and Learning teams
This interactive workshop has been designed to invite all delegates to explore the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice (OAIP) themes through collaboration, reflection and solution‑focused discussion. Working in small groups, delegates will connect with colleagues around an OAIP them, such as relational practice, attendance and belonging, transitions, learning environments, or working with parent carers and CYP.
The session is designed to celebrate what schools are doing well, share effective approaches, and strengthen inclusive practice across the system. Delegates will spend time sharing examples of successful strategies before moving into a structured, solution‑focused circle to problem‑solve a real challenge related to their chosen theme.
By the end of the hour, the group will have:
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- Shared practical, tried‑and‑tested approaches to inclusive practice
- Explored solutions to a challenge raised by a group member
- Contributed to a collective picture of what is working well in schools across the area
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Delegates will be asked to pre-select the OIAP theme they would like to join for this session.
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- Please note, all are relevant to everyone and should you not be able to join your preferred theme, all feedback gathered within each theme room will be shared post event.
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- Relational practice
- Attendance and belonging
- Learning environments
- Transitions
- Working with parent carers and CYP
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12:15 Move to workshop 1
12:20 Workshop 1 - see below details of workshops on offer
- AI and SEND
- Alternative pathways of support (Secondary focus)
- Transition from Early Years to KS1
- From intent to impact: How language influences relationships and effective partnership
- Evidencing a robust graduated approach
13:20 Lunch, networking and exhibition
14:30 Workshop 2 - see below details of workshops on offer
- AI and SEND
- Alternative pathways of support (Secondary focus)
- Transition from Early Years to KS1
- From intent to impact: How language influences relationships and effective partnerships
- Evidencing a robust graduated approach
15:30 Comfort break and move back to keynote room
15:40 Fathering Autism - Duncan Casburn, PDA Dad
During this session, Duncan will share his experience of parenting autism and PDA as a father and share insights into relationship building strategies between parents and schools.
16:30 Close of conference - a continued chance for networking and discussion with the exhibition
