Northamptonshire Schools’ Inclusion Conference 2026
Inclusion, Wellbeing and Mental Health
Friday 3 July 2026
Bringing together educators, researchers, educational psychologists and sector leaders to explore inclusive approaches that improve outcomes, wellbeing and belonging for children and young people.
The Schools’ Inclusion Conference 2026 brings together school leaders, SEND professionals, educational psychologists, researchers and practitioners from across Northamptonshire and beyond.
Designed for teachers and education professionals, the conference provides an opportunity to engage with evidence-informed practice and innovative approaches that support inclusion in schools and educational settings.
This year’s conference focuses on the interconnected themes of inclusion, wellbeing and mental health. Through keynote presentations, practical workshops and collaborative discussion, delegates will explore approaches that support positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
The conference will explore:
- Inclusive and adaptive teaching
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Relational and trauma-informed practice
- Attendance and engagement
- Successful transitions
- Multi-agency collaboration
- Whole-school approaches to inclusion
Whether you are a school leader, SENDCo, teacher, educational psychologist, practitioner or researcher, the conference offers practical ideas, professional dialogue and opportunities to connect with colleagues committed to inclusive education.
Professor Jonathan Glazzard
Ways Forward to a Flourishing SEND System: Implications for Practice and Research
Inclusion once again has high priority within the education system, yet schools continue to operate in increasingly complex circumstances. Rising levels of need, increasing expectations and ongoing accountability pressures mean that many schools are navigating significant challenges as they seek to support all learners effectively.
In this keynote, Professor Jonathan Glazzard explores the tensions between inclusion, attainment and accountability, whilst highlighting practical and evidence-informed approaches that can help schools strengthen outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
About the Speaker
Professor Jonathan Glazzard is the Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice at the University of Hull. His research focuses on the experiences of marginalised groups, including disabled children and young people, LGBTQ+ communities, mental health, educational transitions and social justice in education.
Mike Simons
Moral Injury and the Wellbeing of our Educators
Educators often face situations that challenge their professional values and beliefs. The concept of moral injury provides a useful lens through which to understand the emotional and psychological impact of these experiences.
This session explores the nature of moral injury, its relevance within educational settings and the implications for staff wellbeing. Participants will consider how greater awareness of moral injury can contribute to healthier workplaces and more sustainable professional practice.
About the Speaker
Mike Simons is Principal Educational Psychologist for North Northamptonshire Council. With over thirty years’ experience as an educational psychologist, he has held a range of specialist leadership roles and has a longstanding interest in mental health and wellbeing within educational settings.
Adaptive Teaching to Unlock an Inclusive Curriculum: Matt Rodger
This workshop explores how adaptive teaching approaches can remove barriers to learning whilst maintaining high expectations for all learners. Participants will consider practical strategies that enable pupils to access an ambitious curriculum, develop independence and thrive within inclusive classrooms.
Therapeutic Thinking Relational Practice: Adam Hayes
This workshop introduces Therapeutic Thinking, an approach grounded in attachment and trauma-informed practice. Participants will explore how relational approaches can be embedded across policy and practice to improve outcomes and create supportive school cultures.
RAISE Programme: Dr Jeetan Songara
This session introduces the RAISE programme, a relational approach designed to improve engagement, attendance and wellbeing through whole-school practice and targeted support.
NVR in Schools: Kate Parsonson and Preet Gill
This workshop explores how Non-Violent Resistance approaches can be integrated within schools alongside Mental Health Support Teams to strengthen responses to behaviour, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Rosewood Specialist SEMH Provision: Anna Hewes and Sasha Leas
This session examines the development of Rosewood, a specialist SEMH provision supporting students experiencing anxiety, EBSA and complex needs. The workshop explores leadership considerations, implementation insights and curriculum approaches that balance academic ambition with emotional readiness.
Barriers to Education (EBSA): Supporting Engagement Through Emotional Safety and Belonging: Yvonne Needham and Sarah Luxford
This workshop explores the relationship between belonging, emotional wellbeing and school attendance. Participants will examine practical strategies that help schools engage young people and families to strengthen participation and educational engagement.
SEMH: A Whole School Approach: Jo Blaney
This session explores the development of a whole-school SEMH model built upon safe environments, graduated responses, trauma-informed practice and personalised intervention.
Therapeutic Pathways: Becky Hales and Laura Cooper
This workshop explores the implementation of a tiered mental health model, structured therapeutic pathways and approaches to measuring impact whilst supporting the wellbeing needs of pupils.
Internal Inclusion Provisions: Claire Byron
This session examines how schools can establish, develop and sustain internal inclusion provisions. Topics include leadership, funding, staffing and evaluating impact.
Inclusive Transitions: NSB Trust SENDCOs and Ben Severs
This workshop explores how proactive transition planning can improve outcomes for vulnerable learners. Participants will consider approaches that strengthen confidence, resilience, emotional readiness and continuity between educational phases.
This event for Northamptonshire schools is organised by North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Teaching Schools Hub and the University of Northampton.
