Together for SEND 2026 - Book your space
Education Staff
Families
All Other Attendees
If more than one person is attending, you must increase this number.
You’ll then be able to select up to this many talks per session.
Speakers: Vik Verma and Helen Cox
-
8:15am–8:45am
Strategic networking breakfast
Senior colleagues from Bristol City Council, the Integrated Care Board, Sirona and the Parent Carer Forum will be present. -
8:45am–9:30am
Year 2 update
Reflections on progress so far, priorities for year two, and the latest developments in national SEND reforms and what they mean for Bristol. -
9:30am–10:00am
Cross-system networking and discussion
Reflect, raise key questions, and strengthen collaboration across education and health.
Session 1 Details: Visit exhibitors anytime - booking a ticket just helps you plan your day.
Pick one option • tap a tile to read more • Tip: the exhibitor hall is quieter during sessions
Expect a warm and welcoming circle of parent carers.
You will try simple wellbeing tools that support calm and connection.
- Journaling and reflection
- Gentle guided relaxation
- Practical regulation exercises
- Optional sharing with others
A clear overview of EHCP appeals and what happens at tribunal.
- Deadlines and key steps
- Forms and evidence
- Witness statements and reports
- What to expect on the day
Macluumaad iyo hagitaan ku saabsan taageerada SEND.
Kulan degan oo saaxiibtinimo leh, oo su'aalo la weydiin karo.
Expect a warm and welcoming circle of parent carers.
You will try simple wellbeing tools that support calm and connection.
- Journaling and reflection
- Gentle guided relaxation
- Practical regulation exercises
- Optional sharing with others
A clear overview of EHCP appeals and what happens at tribunal.
- Deadlines and key steps
- Forms and evidence
- Witness statements and reports
- What to expect on the day
Macluumaad iyo hagitaan ku saabsan taageerada SEND.
Kulan degan oo saaxiibtinimo leh, oo su'aalo la weydiin karo.
A question and answer session with senior leaders across education, health and social care.
Questions are required in advance so leaders can prepare responses.
This session explains what health services look for in a referral.
- How to describe need clearly
- What context to include
- How to reduce avoidable delays
Autistic people may have sensory differences and anxiety that affect eating.
This session shares autism-informed ways to support eating and reduce stress.
- Sensory needs and food
- Anxiety and eating
- Restricted diets and ARFID
- Practical strategies that help
A question and answer session with senior leaders across education, health and social care.
Questions are required in advance so leaders can prepare responses.
This session explains what health services look for in a referral.
- How to describe need clearly
- What context to include
- How to reduce avoidable delays
Autistic people may have sensory differences and anxiety that affect eating.
This session shares autism-informed ways to support eating and reduce stress.
- Sensory needs and food
- Anxiety and eating
- Restricted diets and ARFID
- Practical strategies that help
A short peer support session with a parent carer.
Bring one question or one situation you want to talk through.
Meet with over 60 exhibitors and ask quick questions.
The hall can feel calmer during sessions.
A short peer support session with a parent carer.
Bring one question or one situation you want to talk through.
Meet with over 60 exhibitors and ask quick questions.
The hall can feel calmer during sessions.
Session 2 Details: Visit exhibitors anytime - booking a ticket just helps you plan your day.
Pick one option • tap a tile to read more • Tip: the exhibitor hall is quieter during sessions
Selected option: Getting started in SEND
If you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed, this session is for you.
- What support exists and where to start
- How the SEND system works in practice
- Where to go for help in Bristol
You do not need a diagnosis to attend.
Selected option: Caring for a child with complex disabilities
This option is sold out for pre-booking. Please pick another Session 2 option.
A parent-only session for people caring for children with complex disabilities.
- Space to reflect and feel understood
- Practical ideas for staying grounded
- Connection with other parent carers
Selected option: Peer Support
This option is sold out for pre-booking. Please pick another Session 2 option.
Bring one SEND question and get practical next steps.
- Short 1:1 time with a peer support person
- Clear signposting to local help
- Time left to visit exhibitors
Selected option: Getting started in SEND
If you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed, this session is for you.
- What support exists and where to start
- How the SEND system works in practice
- Where to go for help in Bristol
You do not need a diagnosis to attend.
Selected option: Caring for a child with complex disabilities
This option is sold out for pre-booking. Please pick another Session 2 option.
A parent-only session for people caring for children with complex disabilities.
- Space to reflect and feel understood
- Practical ideas for staying grounded
- Connection with other parent carers
Selected option: Peer Support
This option is sold out for pre-booking. Please pick another Session 2 option.
Bring one SEND question and get practical next steps.
- Short 1:1 time with a peer support person
- Clear signposting to local help
- Time left to visit exhibitors
Selected option: Beyond exclusion
This session explains how Learning Partnership West uses relational, trauma-informed practice to support inclusion.
- Emotionally available adults and co-regulation
- Triangle of trust so pupils feel safe and connected
- Consistency, repair, and behaviour as communication
- How the model works day to day in school
Selected option: Adaptive Teaching
A practical session for SENCOs and school staff.
- What adaptive teaching looks like in your setting
- Resources to establish and develop practice
- Ways to monitor and review impact
Selected option: Starting School
This session explains the process and key choices when a child with SEND starts school.
- Compulsory school age and what it means
- Reasons some children start later
- What to consider and possible implications
- Steps that support a good transition
Selected option: Beyond exclusion
This session explains how Learning Partnership West uses relational, trauma-informed practice to support inclusion.
- Emotionally available adults and co-regulation
- Triangle of trust so pupils feel safe and connected
- Consistency, repair, and behaviour as communication
- How the model works day to day in school
Selected option: Adaptive Teaching
A practical session for SENCOs and school staff.
- What adaptive teaching looks like in your setting
- Resources to establish and develop practice
- Ways to monitor and review impact
Selected option: Starting School
This session explains the process and key choices when a child with SEND starts school.
- Compulsory school age and what it means
- Reasons some children start later
- What to consider and possible implications
- Steps that support a good transition
Selected option: How to Deal with Judgement
A practical, humorous talk about comments people make about autistic and ADHD children.
- Why these comments happen
- Ways to respond without escalating
- How to protect your confidence in public
Delivered by Mark Allen, host of the Neuroshambles podcast and parent carer.
Selected option: Exhibitors
The exhibitor hall is usually quieter during sessions.
- Better for 1:1 conversations
- More time with stallholders
- Lower noise and crowding
Selected option: How to Deal with Judgement
A practical, humorous talk about comments people make about autistic and ADHD children.
- Why these comments happen
- Ways to respond without escalating
- How to protect your confidence in public
Delivered by Mark Allen, host of the Neuroshambles podcast and parent carer.
Selected option: Exhibitors
The exhibitor hall is usually quieter during sessions.
- Better for 1:1 conversations
- More time with stallholders
- Lower noise and crowding
Session 3 Details: Visit exhibitors anytime - booking a ticket just helps you plan your day.
Pick one option • tap a tile to read more • Tip: the exhibitor hall is quieter during sessions
Selected option: SEND Law
A talk on the key local authority obligations within the SEND system and how parents can enforce their child's rights.
Selected option: Peer Support
Peer support means talking to other parent carers who have lived experience of navigating the system.
You can come with a specific question, a current worry, or something you’re trying to figure out — and get practical insight the same day.
Peer support can help with:
- Understanding school processes, inclusion, and support for learning
- Making sense of health pathways, referrals, and services
- Navigating social care, assessments, and support options
- Knowing what questions to ask and where to go next
Peer support isn’t legal advice or a replacement for professional services — but it is a safe, informed space to sense-check decisions and feel less alone.
Selected option: Education staff lunch and networking
A buffet-style lunch and informal networking time for education staff (paid tickets only).
Selected option: SEND Law
A talk on the key local authority obligations within the SEND system and how parents can enforce their child's rights.
Selected option: Peer Support
Peer support means talking to other parent carers who have lived experience of navigating the system.
You can come with a specific question, a current worry, or something you’re trying to figure out — and get practical insight the same day.
Peer support can help with:
- Understanding school processes, inclusion, and support for learning
- Making sense of health pathways, referrals, and services
- Navigating social care, assessments, and support options
- Knowing what questions to ask and where to go next
Peer support isn’t legal advice or a replacement for professional services — but it is a safe, informed space to sense-check decisions and feel less alone.
Selected option: Education staff lunch and networking
A buffet-style lunch and informal networking time for education staff (paid tickets only).
Selected option: Why behaviour happens
Behaviour is communication. When children are struggling, their behaviour is often how they show it.
This session looks at why behaviour happens — including unmet needs, stress, sensory overload, and communication difficulties — and what helps, both at home and in school.
Selected option: NDCS Community Connector
Join us for a warm and informative session hosted by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), designed to support families and professionals working with deaf children.
We will start with a brief introduction to hearing loss and how it can affect communication and learning. You will hear about the support NDCS offers, including useful resources and Advice and Guidance Officers (AGOs), plus how to access local services and community support.
We will also share a bit about our roles as Community Connectors, helping families build connections and feel supported.
To finish, there will be a chance for a Q&A, where we will be happy to answer questions and share our experiences as parents of a deaf child.
Selected option: Post-16 transition into employment
Lucy will explore the vital transition from education to employment for neurodivergent young people.
She will shine a light on the challenges families may encounter, as well as the opportunities that arise during this stage of life.
Through practical insights, success stories and lived experiences, Lucy will share approaches that help create smoother pathways into work.
Selected option: Why behaviour happens
Behaviour is communication. When children are struggling, their behaviour is often how they show it.
This session looks at why behaviour happens — including unmet needs, stress, sensory overload, and communication difficulties — and what helps, both at home and in school.
Selected option: NDCS Community Connector
Join us for a warm and informative session hosted by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), designed to support families and professionals working with deaf children.
We will start with a brief introduction to hearing loss and how it can affect communication and learning. You will hear about the support NDCS offers, including useful resources and Advice and Guidance Officers (AGOs), plus how to access local services and community support.
We will also share a bit about our roles as Community Connectors, helping families build connections and feel supported.
To finish, there will be a chance for a Q&A, where we will be happy to answer questions and share our experiences as parents of a deaf child.
Selected option: Post-16 transition into employment
Lucy will explore the vital transition from education to employment for neurodivergent young people.
She will shine a light on the challenges families may encounter, as well as the opportunities that arise during this stage of life.
Through practical insights, success stories and lived experiences, Lucy will share approaches that help create smoother pathways into work.
Selected option: Building Confidence and Interest in Maths
Join the Educational Psychology Team for an interactive workshop for parents, carers, and school staff who want to help their children and young people feel more confident and motivated in maths.
Together, we will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to foster interest and a positive attitude towards maths.
Whether your child is in early education or approaching adulthood, this session offers insights and tools to help you support lifelong maths skills.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It's a great time to talk with exhibitors when sessions are on, as it’s usually quieter in the exhibitor hall — helpful if you find noise and crowds difficult.
Don’t forget to get some lunch too.
Selected option: Building Confidence and Interest in Maths
Join the Educational Psychology Team for an interactive workshop for parents, carers, and school staff who want to help their children and young people feel more confident and motivated in maths.
Together, we will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to foster interest and a positive attitude towards maths.
Whether your child is in early education or approaching adulthood, this session offers insights and tools to help you support lifelong maths skills.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It's a great time to talk with exhibitors when sessions are on, as it’s usually quieter in the exhibitor hall — helpful if you find noise and crowds difficult.
Don’t forget to get some lunch too.
Session 4 Details: Visit exhibitors anytime - booking a ticket just helps you plan your day.
Pick one option • tap a tile to read more • Tip: the exhibitor hall is quieter during sessions
Selected option: EHCNAs – A Parent’s Guide
An Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) is the first step to obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Learn about when parents and carers might want to make an EHCNA request, what that request should look like, the legal test for assessment, what happens in an assessment and what to do if a request is refused.
Selected option: Peer Support
Peer support means talking to other parent carers who have lived experience of navigating the system.
You can come with a specific question, a current worry, or something you’re trying to figure out — and get practical insight the same day.
Peer support can cover:
- Understanding school processes, inclusion, and support for learning
- Making sense of health pathways, referrals, and services
- Navigating social care, assessments, and support options
- Knowing what questions to ask and where to go next
Peer support isn’t legal advice or a replacement for professional services — but it is a safe, informed space to share experiences, sense-check decisions, and feel less alone while dealing with complex systems.
Selected option: What is needed for some, benefits all
This engaging keynote looks at how small, thoughtful changes in teaching can make a big difference for every learner.
Drawing on his work across the Chiltern Learning Trust and his classroom experience, Amjad Ali shares practical strategies that are low effort but high impact, supporting pupils with additional needs while improving learning for all.
Attendees will leave with realistic, ready-to-use ideas and a clear sense of how consistency between school and home can strengthen outcomes for children.
Selected option: EHCNAs – A Parent’s Guide
An Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) is the first step to obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Learn about when parents and carers might want to make an EHCNA request, what that request should look like, the legal test for assessment, what happens in an assessment and what to do if a request is refused.
Selected option: Peer Support
Peer support means talking to other parent carers who have lived experience of navigating the system.
You can come with a specific question, a current worry, or something you’re trying to figure out — and get practical insight the same day.
Peer support can cover:
- Understanding school processes, inclusion, and support for learning
- Making sense of health pathways, referrals, and services
- Navigating social care, assessments, and support options
- Knowing what questions to ask and where to go next
Peer support isn’t legal advice or a replacement for professional services — but it is a safe, informed space to share experiences, sense-check decisions, and feel less alone while dealing with complex systems.
Selected option: What is needed for some, benefits all
This engaging keynote looks at how small, thoughtful changes in teaching can make a big difference for every learner.
Drawing on his work across the Chiltern Learning Trust and his classroom experience, Amjad Ali shares practical strategies that are low effort but high impact, supporting pupils with additional needs while improving learning for all.
Attendees will leave with realistic, ready-to-use ideas and a clear sense of how consistency between school and home can strengthen outcomes for children.
Selected option: FAQ on EHCNA
This school-staff-only session provides a focused opportunity to ask questions about needs assessments and EHCPs and how they work in practice.
It is designed to clarify common areas of uncertainty, explore what good information looks like from an education perspective, and support consistent understanding across settings.
Questions will be gathered in advance and on the day, and Kevin will respond to common themes rather than individual cases.
Selected option: Autism, Masking and Mental Health
Many autistic and neurodivergent people feel like they have to hide their true selves, wearing a "mask" to fit into a world that often misunderstands them.
This talk explores the latest research and lived experiences of masking from childhood into adulthood. We’ll challenge misconceptions, uncover the realities of masking, and discuss ways to reduce it for those who wish to.
This session is for anyone — autistic individuals, allies, professionals, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding.
Selected option: SEND and You SENDIAS
Join us for a session introducing SEND and You, SENDIAS Service. We will share who we are, what we do and how we support children, young people and families in navigating SEND processes in education settings.
The talk will cover the key services we provide, practical ways we can help, and answer your questions during an interactive Q&A segment.
Selected option: FAQ on EHCNA
This school-staff-only session provides a focused opportunity to ask questions about needs assessments and EHCPs and how they work in practice.
It is designed to clarify common areas of uncertainty, explore what good information looks like from an education perspective, and support consistent understanding across settings.
Questions will be gathered in advance and on the day, and Kevin will respond to common themes rather than individual cases.
Selected option: Autism, Masking and Mental Health
Many autistic and neurodivergent people feel like they have to hide their true selves, wearing a "mask" to fit into a world that often misunderstands them.
This talk explores the latest research and lived experiences of masking from childhood into adulthood. We’ll challenge misconceptions, uncover the realities of masking, and discuss ways to reduce it for those who wish to.
This session is for anyone — autistic individuals, allies, professionals, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding.
Selected option: SEND and You SENDIAS
Join us for a session introducing SEND and You, SENDIAS Service. We will share who we are, what we do and how we support children, young people and families in navigating SEND processes in education settings.
The talk will cover the key services we provide, practical ways we can help, and answer your questions during an interactive Q&A segment.
Selected option: How can Dads show up better for our neurodivergent kids?
"I prefer Mummy to you, Daddy. She doesn't shout at me!"
That moment of blunt honesty from his autistic son, Jay, sent Mark Allen on a journey to rethink the kind of parent his neurodivergent children actually needed.
Mark reflects on his shift from angry, shouty Dad to a more compassionate, collaborative caregiver, and explores how traditional ideas of masculinity can clash with the needs of neurodivergent children — and how small changes in understanding behaviour can make a big difference.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It’s a great time to talk with exhibitors while sessions are on, as it’s quieter in the exhibitor hall — especially helpful for anyone who finds busy, noisy spaces difficult.
Don’t forget to grab some lunch too.
Selected option: How can Dads show up better for our neurodivergent kids?
"I prefer Mummy to you, Daddy. She doesn't shout at me!"
That moment of blunt honesty from his autistic son, Jay, sent Mark Allen on a journey to rethink the kind of parent his neurodivergent children actually needed.
Mark reflects on his shift from angry, shouty Dad to a more compassionate, collaborative caregiver, and explores how traditional ideas of masculinity can clash with the needs of neurodivergent children — and how small changes in understanding behaviour can make a big difference.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It’s a great time to talk with exhibitors while sessions are on, as it’s quieter in the exhibitor hall — especially helpful for anyone who finds busy, noisy spaces difficult.
Don’t forget to grab some lunch too.
Session 5 Details: Visit exhibitors anytime - booking a ticket just helps you plan your day.
Pick one option • tap a tile to read more • Tip: the exhibitor hall is quieter during sessions
Selected option: Local social care support
This session explains what support parent carers and families can expect from local social care, including the Early Help offer, Family Hubs, carers assessments, and young carers assessments.
It will also cover who may be eligible and how to access support from Bristol City Council's Social Care team.
Selected option: What does inclusion really mean?
The latest Ofsted framework places a renewed emphasis on inclusion, equity, and high-quality provision for all learners. While this is a positive step, it also brings real challenges for mainstream schools supporting increasingly complex needs.
This session explores what the framework really means for inclusion, how inspectors are interpreting these expectations, and the practical realities for school leaders and classroom practitioners.
Led by senior leaders of Briarwood Special School (Outstanding in all areas), the session shares strategies for meeting diverse needs while balancing accountability with compassion.
Selected option: You’re Not Asking for Too Much
Many parent carers worry about whether they are asking for "too much" when seeking support for their child.
In this accessible and supportive session, Kelly Jarvis explores what reasonable adjustments look like in practice, how they sit within Ordinarily Available Provision, and how schools should be meeting children's needs both with and without formal plans or diagnoses.
Parents will leave feeling clearer, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for their child.
Selected option: Local social care support
This session explains what support parent carers and families can expect from local social care, including the Early Help offer, Family Hubs, carers assessments, and young carers assessments.
It will also cover who may be eligible and how to access support from Bristol City Council's Social Care team.
Selected option: What does inclusion really mean?
The latest Ofsted framework places a renewed emphasis on inclusion, equity, and high-quality provision for all learners. While this is a positive step, it also brings real challenges for mainstream schools supporting increasingly complex needs.
This session explores what the framework really means for inclusion, how inspectors are interpreting these expectations, and the practical realities for school leaders and classroom practitioners.
Led by senior leaders of Briarwood Special School (Outstanding in all areas), the session shares strategies for meeting diverse needs while balancing accountability with compassion.
Selected option: You’re Not Asking for Too Much
Many parent carers worry about whether they are asking for "too much" when seeking support for their child.
In this accessible and supportive session, Kelly Jarvis explores what reasonable adjustments look like in practice, how they sit within Ordinarily Available Provision, and how schools should be meeting children's needs both with and without formal plans or diagnoses.
Parents will leave feeling clearer, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for their child.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It's a great time to talk with exhibitors when the sessions are on as it's quieter in the exhibitor hall. Great for those who struggle in noisy environments. Don't forget to get some lunch too.
Selected option: Exhibitors
It's a great time to talk with exhibitors when the sessions are on as it's quieter in the exhibitor hall. Great for those who struggle in noisy environments. Don't forget to get some lunch too.
Booked
This session is now booked. Please choose a different option in this slot.