Hundreds of education professionals attend Kent Inclusion Conference to share and strengthen inclusive practice

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Education
A screen says Kent Inclusion Conference as people walk by

More than 600 special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos), inclusion champions and other education professionals gathered this week at the Kent Inclusion Conference.

The event, hosted by Kent County Council (KCC), brings together education staff from across Kent to hear from experts, share best practice and explore ways to strengthen support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The conference, which took place at the Kent County Showground in Detling on Wednesday 14 October, highlights KCC's ongoing commitment to supporting schools to create inclusive environments where all children and young people can thrive and achieve their potential.

Hundreds of people sit in a conference hall watching a presentation

Hundreds gathered at the Kent County Showground in Detling for the event

KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, opened the event, welcoming attendees and recognising the vital role that school staff play in supporting children and young people with SEND.

A number of leading education experts then took to the stage, including educational consultant and author Dr Claire Gadsby, Whole Education SEND Consultant Gary Aubin, and Dr Alison Ekins, Head of SEND and Inclusion for Oldham Council. Through keynote presentations, practical activities and discussions, school staff explored approaches to inclusive practice and how they can be applied in schools and education settings across Kent.

The conference also featured a panel discussion and question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from experts and discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding inclusion and SEND support.

One teacher who attended the event, Louise Skinner, Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo at Milton Court Primary School, said: “I found it really interesting, very supportive, it’s been great to network with other SENCos and other leaders, along with people that work at KCC.

“You get a day to actually reset and think about what you’re having to do in a strategic way as a SENCo. It also gives you a chance to see other people that are doing the same as you and understand the stresses that that you’re under.

“I’d just like to say thank you for the opportunity for today because it has been really supportive and useful.”

Cllr Beverley Fordham gives a speech on stage at the Kent Inclusion Conference
KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Cllr Beverley Fordham, opened the conference

Speaking after the event Cllr Fordham said:

"Creating inclusive schools where every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed is a priority for Kent County Council.

"Events such as the Kent Inclusion Conference are an important way of supporting the dedicated professionals working in our schools every day. By bringing together educational experts and colleagues from across the county, we can share ideas, learn from one another and continue developing inclusive practices that benefit children and young people.

"I was delighted to see so many people attend this year's conference and demonstrate their commitment to helping children and young people with SEND thrive in their local schools and communities."

The Kent Inclusion Conference forms part of KCC's wider work to support inclusion across the county and ensure education staff have access to the latest knowledge, practical strategies and professional networks to help meet the needs of all learners.