Turning shared learning into better support for SEND
Together for SEND 2026 returns to Bristol, bringing families, schools, and professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Together for SEND 2026 returns to Bristol, bringing families, schools, and professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
This event tackles the real challenges faced by those supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Offering practical insights, strategies, and support to improve experiences across education, health, and community settings.
- Join workshops, talks, and interactive sessions designed for families, school staff, and anyone supporting children with additional needs
- Discover practical solutions, connect with local and local organisations, and leave empowered to make a difference for every child.
Some sessions are aimed specifically at school staff, some for families, and some are mixed. We understand that some topics are private or sensitive, and it can be difficult to discuss certain things in front of families or professionals. You can choose the sessions that work best for you.
To explore what we offer specifically for families or for schools, click the buttons below.
Families, why come along?
Practical support, friendly faces, and clear next steps — for parent carers. No diagnosis is needed.
What you’ll get
Clear next steps
Leave with a plan — who to contact, what to ask for, and what to do next.
People who get it
Talk with other parent carers in a welcoming, no-judgement space.
Trusted info
Practical guidance on education, health and social care.
What happens on the day?
What is available: click to read more
A full event brochure, including all talks and sessions, will be available from the start of February. This will help you plan your day in advance and decide which sessions feel most useful for you.
On the day, you’ll still have flexibility. If you change your mind or feel a different session would be more helpful, you’re welcome to switch. In previous years, although some talks have appeared “sold out” in advance, we’ve often had space on the day due to last-minute changes by families.
Alongside the talks, there will be around four hours of peer support, where you can drop in, ask questions, and get answers there and then from people who understand SEND.
Who it’s for: click to read more
Any family with worries about a child or young person aged 0–25 and wondering where to go for help.
Whether you’re right at the start and just beginning to ask questions, or you’re already knee-deep in appointments, plans and paperwork, you are very welcome here.You don’t need to know the “right” words, and you don’t need to have everything figured out. We know exactly what it's like.
On the day, you’ll be able to speak directly with local services, charities and organisations, as well as peer supporters who have lived experience and understand what it’s really like. You can ask questions, get information, and talk things through - all in one place.
Access, interpreters and expenses: click to read more
If you have access needs or need support to take part, please tell us when you book and we will do our best to support you.
Support available on the day includes:
- support with English, including one “New to SEND” session delivered in Somali
- a friendly buddy to show you around and help you settle in
- a free crèche available for up to 2 hours
- a prayer room and a quiet area
- ear plugs and a free sensory bag for anyone who needs one
- bus fare refuded on the day, just bring your receipt to the front desk
- BSL is avilable, please let us know when bookng that this is needed.
If busy spaces feel overwhelming for you, the best time to visit the exhibitors is during talks, when the area is usually quieter.
We can reimburse reasonable bus travel costs. Please speak to a member of staff on the day or contact us in advance if you would like to discuss this.
School staff: why attend?
A full day of SEND-focused learning, collaboration and practical problem-solving - designed for Bristol educators.
What you’ll gain
Leave with practical strategies, local context, and stronger connections to support children and young people with SEND in Bristol.
Connect with peers
Meet and collaborate with over 150 fellow Bristol educators in one place.
Senior updates + Q&A
Hear updates from senior education, Bristol City Council and health leaders, with time for questions.
Actionable practice
Industry-leading speakers plus local troubleshooting sessions you can use straight away.
What happens on the day?
Talks, sessions and Q&A: click to read more
Each hour offers three sessions to choose from, so you can build a timetable that fits your role and priorities.
- Two SENCO-only talks each hour
- At least one mixed talk each hour
You’ll also hear an update from senior education staff from Bristol City Council and health services on progress made in the last 12 months along with a Q&A session.
Details of talks will be available from the start of February.
Exhibitors and support services: click to read more
A wide range of local and national organisations, including:
Bristol City Council, bringing together:
- SEND Team
- Educational Psychology Team
- Bristol Autism Team
- Sensory Support Service
- Disabled Children’s Service
- Independent Travel Training
- Home to School Travel
- Fostering Services
- We Work for Everyone (Post 16)
- Family Hubs
- Early Years
Sirona Care & Health, including:
- Public Health Nursing
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Community Paediatrics
- Autism and Neurodisability
Alongside:
Education & Schools
Briarwood School • Kind Education • Neuroteachers • The Bridge in Schools & The Bridge Foundation • Neurodiverse Training • Oasis Hub South Bristol • North Star Outreach • Hamish & Milo Ltd
Health, Therapy & Wellbeing
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (UHBW) • BIBIC • Cerebral Palsy Plus • Grounded in Connection • Platypus Training & Consultancy • PlatyPLUS Therapeutic & Support Services CIC • Synergy Mind and Body • Jessie May • Watkins Solicitors
SEND Support, Advice & Advocacy
SEND and You (SENDIAS) • ACT4SEND • SOS!SEN • Bristol Autism Support • SENDsenses CIC • Sense • Ups and Downs South West • FACE Charity Bristol • FFLAG • People First Voices & Choices
Families, Community & Inclusion
Bristol Family School • Bristol Family Hubs • The Family Centre for Deaf Children • Carers Support BSG • Enemy of Boredom • NeuroConnect CIC • Autism Independence
Other Specialist Services & Organisations
Glue Ear Together • Guide Dogs Children’s Services • Suziebooks • Sensory Oojamabobs • Global Mediation • Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation
Food and accessibility: click to read more
Breakfast and lunch are included in the price of the ticket.
A prayer room and a quiet area will be available.
The exhibitors will be quietest when talks are on — if you want time with exhibitors, leave a gap in your schedule to visit during sessions.
Access arrangements are made on request when booking.
Anyone else: why come along?
If you work with, support, or advocate for children and young people with SEND in Bristol, this day is for you.
Who this is for
This space brings together people working across SEND, education, health, social care and the community — whether your role is frontline, strategic, or somewhere in between.
- youth and community workers
- social care and early help teams
- health, therapy and wellbeing practitioners
- VCSE organisations, charities and advocates
- local authority and system partners
What you’ll get out of the day
A practical, grounded understanding of what SEND looks like across Bristol — and how different parts of the system connect.
- insight into current local SEND priorities and pressures
- better understanding of family experiences and expectations
- opportunities to connect across sectors and roles
- practical ideas you can take back into your own service
- a clearer picture of what good joined-up working looks like in practice
How the day works
Talks, sessions and networking: click for more info
Sessions run throughout the day, with a mix of talks, discussion spaces and time to connect with others working in SEND.
You can choose the sessions that feel most relevant to your role and interests.
Exhibitors and local services: click for more info
A wide range of local and national organisations will be present, offering insight into support, training and services available across Bristol.
Exhibitors are quietest while talks are running, so you may want to leave space in your schedule to visit them then.
Food, access and the venue: click for more info
If you have access needs or need support to take part, please tell us when you book and we will do our best to support you.
Support available on the day includes:
- support with English, including one “New to SEND” session delivered in Somali
- a friendly buddy to show you around and help you settle in
- a free crèche available for up to 2 hours
- a prayer room and a quiet area
- ear plugs and a free sensory bag for anyone who needs one
- bus fare refuded on the day, just bring your receipt to the front desk
- BSL is avilable, please let us know when bookng that this is needed.
If busy spaces feel overwhelming for you, the best time to visit the exhibitors is during talks, when the area is usually quieter.
We can reimburse reasonable bus travel costs. Please speak to a member of staff on the day or contact us in advance if you would like to discuss this.