Provision for pupils with SEND is one of the most complex and pressing challenges currently facing schools. With the SEND Reform consultation well under way there are many changes ahead over the next few years. The purpose of the reforms are to strengthen school capacity to identify and meet pupils’ needs early and consistently through high-quality inclusive practice, reducing reliance on statutory processes such as EHCPs and ensuring more children’s needs are effectively supported within mainstream provision.
The purpose of the SEND Forum is to bring together those with responsibility for SEND across our local area to share expertise, effective practice and collaboration between schools. It also provides opportunities for professional learning, including access to training and input from specialist speakers on key priorities such as preparing for Ofsted’s strengthened focus on SEND, the development of school inclusion statements, and effective adaptive classroom practice.
The Primary SEND / Inclusion Network & Forum is designed to address this directly. It combines:
- A clear and consistent focus on inclusive classroom practice, rooted in evidence-informed approaches
- A purposeful professional network across schools, supported by collaboration with York St John University and other SEND specialists.
- Practical development of strategies and approaches that can be confidently implemented and explained
The intention is simple: to strengthen inclusive practice, improve consistency across schools, and ensure that pupils with SEND are supported effectively through approaches that are both practical and grounded in evidence.
Primary SEND Forum Key Content and Dates
| Meeting | Focus | Key Content | Purpose |
| Meeting 1
Wednesday 21st October 2026, 1:00pm–2:30pm (In Person) |
Introduction to SEND Forum & Inclusion Template | Overview of the forum aims and ways of working. Introduction to the developing inclusion template and implications for schools.
This first presentation will feature a presentation from Helen Sawdon. |
To establish shared purpose, set expectations for the year, and begin collaborative engagement with emerging inclusion expectations. |
| Meeting 2
Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 1:00pm–2:30pm (In Person) |
Ofsted and Inclusion Framework | Session led by a practising Ofsted inspector exploring how SEND and inclusion are reflected within the inspection framework, followed by a Q&A. | To deepen understanding of Ofsted expectations and strengthen leadership confidence in evidencing inclusive practice. |
| Meeting 3
Wednesday 3rd March 2027, 1:00pm–2:30pm (In Person) |
Adaptive Practice in Action & Inclusion Behaviour Service Input | Sharing effective adaptive practice across schools, alongside practical strategies for classroom implementation. Input from the Inclusion Behaviour Service, including an overview of available training and a complementary training session chosen by the group. | To develop high-quality classroom practice and strengthen access to specialist support and professional development. |
| Meeting 4
9th June 2027, 1.00pm – 2.30pm (in person) |
SENCO Monitoring & Quality Assurance | Support for SENCOs focusing on book looks, SEND learning walks, and approaches to monitoring provision and impact across schools. | To strengthen consistency in monitoring, evaluation, and assurance of SEND provision across settings. |
| Meeting 5
Wednesday 10th June, 1:00pm–2:30pm (In Person) |
To be shaped by group priorities | This session will be responsive to emerging needs identified by the group, with the content co-constructed based on current priorities, challenges, and areas for development in SEND practice. | To ensure the forum remains relevant, practitioner-led, and responsive to evolving local and national SEND priorities. |