EHCNAs - What Schools Need to Know | SEND Advocacy
Audience: school / education staff only
SEND Advocacy supports families of children with SEND to secure vital support.
Alice combines legal expertise and personal experience to help parents navigate England's complex system.
This session covers everything education staff need to know about the education, health and care needs assessment process; including the legal test, application steps, and actions to take if the request is refused.
Ticket for people working in Education
Please select this ticket if you work in any type of eduction setting. You must also book into specific talks selecting one session from each of the coloured boxes below.
An Introduction to Makaton | Ali Makaton
Audience: parents, education, health or social care staff.
Learn a selection of core vocabulary signs and symbols, also great to use as a refresher session.
I am buying a ticket for someone who works in education
Please select this ticket if you are buying a ticket for someone who works in any type of eduction setting.
Carers Academy | Wills and Trusts For Special Needs
Audience: families only
Join Rhiannon Gogh from Carers Academy for a session on Wills and Trusts. Rhiannon is a Chartered financial adviser and mum to an autistic child.
Wills and trusts are not just for wealthy families, they are an important tool to ensure your child is supported if you're no longer around.
The session is jargon free and super friendly come along and learn how to protect your child's financial future.
Someone else has bought me a ticket, I work in Education
Please select this ticket if someone else has bought you a ticket and you work in any type of eduction setting.
You must also book into specific talks selecting one session from each of the coloured boxes below.
Authentic school engagement with parents and families | Laura Page
Audience: parent carers, education, health or social care staff.
Laura Page is the founder of Schools Supported, which provides specialist consultancy and training for special educational needs and safeguarding.
Given the scarcity of resources in the sector, innovative practice and utilising the expertise of parents and families has never been so important.
Laura will talk about her work in SEND, how effective meetings and communication can be a practical part of professional development and why it matters so much for all children.
Exploring; intersecting identities, what we 'accidentally' communicate about our schools, cultural sensitivities, the mistakes we make, understanding each other and asking great questions.
With a chance for Q and A.
Rewriting the rule book for our neurodivergent kids | Mark Allen
Audience: families only
Mark Allen of Neuroshambles, (a fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of being a parent of neurodivergent kids) will be sharing a session on what happens when you throw out the parenting rule book. Come along to find out.
What makes a good referral | Sirona Care and Health
Audience: education staff only
This session, delivered by Sirona Care and Health, will provide education staff with a clear understanding of the referral process for all health services accessed through the single-entry referral system.
You will learn about the steps involved in making a referral, the importance of providing accurate and complete information, and what constitutes a "good" referral. We will cover the essential details that need to be included on the referral form to ensure that health services can take prompt and effective action for the pupil.
In addition, the session will outline common challenges in the referral process and offer practical tips on how to avoid delays or issues in securing the necessary health support for students
Families, schools and SEND: moving forward positively in challenging times | Gary Aubin and Stephen Hall
Audience: parent carers only
Gary Aubin wrote his Masters dissertation on effective partnership working with the families of children with SEND. He is the co-author of 'The Parent's Guide to SEND', released in March 2025.
This session will look at the very real challenges for families and educational settings in working together for the good of the child/young person. It will look from the perspective of both parties, suggesting ways forward for meaningful co-production.
Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy Support | Mary-Stanley Duke
Audience: parents, education, health or social care staff
Join one of Bristol's Educational Psychologists for a session on Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy Support or MELSA for short.
MELSA is commonly used as an early intervention strategy in educational settings to promote emotional wellbeing and reduce barriers to learning.
Come along to this sessions to find out more about this fantastic resource and how it can help the children and young people in your life.
Practical Occupational Therapy Strategies for children with Sensory Processing Differences | Therapy Space
Audience: Parent carers, education, health or social care staff.
This session will support you in gaining a deeper understanding of sensory processing needs along with strategies to help children and young people feel safer, calmer, and more in control.
This will be a practical session so please wear something comfortable for a few simple activities.
Education Staff Networking Lunch & Brainbow video
Audience: Education Staff only.
Included in the price of your ticket is an exclusive networking lunch session, designed specifically for school staff. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from other schools, share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional relationships in a relaxed and collaborative environment.
Introduction to Autism and Eating Difficulties | Loren Snow
Audience: Audience: parent carers, education, health or social care staff.
Join Loren Snow, an autism consultant and trainer, for a quick overview of why autistic individuals may face challenges with eating.
Loren will cover sensory, emotional, and practical factors affecting food preferences and mealtimes, offering insights and strategies to create positive eating experiences.
Perfect for educators, parents, and carers seeking a better understanding of autism and eating.
Parent Carers, know your rights | Kevin Mcmanamon
Audience: families only
Join Kevin McManamon, a Partner at Geldards, who specialises in Education Law and Mental Capacity Law.
With extensive experience advising families, Kevin provides expert guidance on navigating the complexities of legal issues in education and supporting individuals with decision-making challenges.
This session is ideal for those seeking to better understand their legal responsibilities and rights.
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments - What families Need to Know | SEND Advocacy
Audience: families only
SEND Advocacy supports families of children with SEND to secure vital support.
Alice combines legal expertise and personal experience to help parents navigate England's complex system.
This session covers the education, health and care needs assessment process, including the legal test, application steps, and actions to take if the request is refused.
High-quality teaching for pupils with SEND: what the evidence suggests and what SENDCOs can do about it | Gary Aubin and Stephen Hall
Audience: Education Staff only.
Gary Aubin wrote his Masters dissertation on effective partnership working with the families of children with SEND. He is the co-author of 'The Parent's Guide to SEND', released in March 2025.
This session will take SENDCOs through the best available evidence around the teaching approaches that are likely to particularly support many pupils with SEND. It will explore how a SENDCO or other senior leader might support these to be developed across an educational setting.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Bristol Autism Support
Audience: Families only
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non-means-tested benefit that provides financial assistance to support your child.
Children with eligible for DLA even before they have a diagnosis. Come along to this session to find out more about what DLA is, who is eligible to apply, how to apply and how to get help with your application.
Intersectionality considerations around neurodivergence | Purple Ella
Audience: parent carers, education, health or social care staff.</span.
Join Purple Ella for xxxxxxx
Speech and Language tailored advice | Sirona Care and Health
Audience: parent carers, education, health or social care staff.
Join Sirona’s Speech and Language Therapy team for a 1:1 session to ask any questions about speech and language development.
Whether you have concerns about your child’s communication skills, language delay, or you require strategies to support their progress, get advice, guidance, and practical tips tailored to your families needs.
Bristol Parent Carers