Working Together Conference 2025

Thank you to all who attended our 2025 Conference

We had a jam packed conference this year, so much so, that unfortunately we could not fit in all of the planned sessions - we are looking into putting extra sessions in the near future in order to pick up the items we missed. 

We were delighted to have our chair, Jean, back to open the conference and give an overview of our involvement, progress, and challenges going forward. 

This was followed by an inspiring story by Oliver Thomason and his brother Craig who took us through all he has achieved on his SEND journey after leaving education. 

Louise Atkin then set the SEND scene looking at the national picture and work that is being undertaken locally, recognising the difficulties being faced locally and nationally for those with SEND.

Natalie and Sharon then presented the initial feedback of our SEND survey.  CLICK HERE to see this presentation and the subsequent full survey report.

Max and Laura then went through the LOCAL OFFER - what is available on there and plans for updates.

Unfortunately the planned session on SEN Support / Graduated response had to be dropped from the agenda due to overrun - These are now being run as A DAYTIME SESSION ON 9TH MAY and AN EVENING ZOOM SESSION ON 13TH MAY

Over lunch we shared slides of those nominated for a special mention - our SEND superstars for supporting our families.

After Lunch Nina Jackson, our keynote speaker, gave us a truly inspirational address about "Finding the Fizz" showing how rather than focussing on "Special Educational Needs and Disabilities" we should instead be looking at "Living and Learning Differences" and how best to support our youngsters in a much more positive way, sharing lots of insights and resources with us, including a PADLET with useful links and information.

Steve Tatham ran through the SEND priorities and SEND services from a health perspective.

Emily and Isabel, Educational Psychologists, ran through details of their service and looked at Emotionally Based School avoidance.  This is a complex service to understand and we will be looking at arranging future sessions to break this down a bit more for our families.

More inspiration was then on the cards as Darren "Foz" Foster opened up about the SEND journey from as Dad's perspective, including the ALRIGHT LAD group—a laid-back, no-judgment zone for dads & lads who care for a child or young person with disabilities. 

It was our honour to close the conference at the end of the day by presenting our chair, Jean Fitzpatrick, with a lifetime achievement award.  Across the room people stood up to declare the difference that Jean has made in their service and in their lives.

Thank you to all who involved who made this such a vibrant and interactive conference.  We will be updating this page to include feedback received on the day.

Conference Slides

The full slide deck is available to download below

Gallery