Date: 6 Feb 2026
Time: 08:30 - 16:00
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Looking at behaviour through a communication focused lens |
This year the annual SEND conference will focus on the theme of behaviour being a communication and understanding what is being communicated, as well as making connections. The conference will be a mixture of keynote speakers and facilitated discussions based on expert input.
This all-day conference aims to explore the different ways in which behaviour is a communication and how to support staff, children, young people, and their families in understanding this.
The conference fee includes attendance at a full day venue-based event which is a combination of keynotes and facilitated workshops.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the different ways in which behaviour may communicate need.
- Identify ways in which to support adults understand this communication and appropriate response.
- Develop understanding of approaches that can be implemented to support regulation, build independence and resilience.
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Keynote Speakers:
Louise Michelle Bombèr – Louise is an experienced therapist, specialist teacher and DDP certified practitioner. She has worked across a range of settings and has extensive experience across the education and therapeutic field. Louise developed an Attachment Aware model of support for schools and is the author of the popular texts 'Inside I’m Hurting and What About Me?'.
Charlotte Clarke – Charlotte works for When the Adults Change, the company established by Paul Dix, author of When the Adults Change, Everything Changes. Throughout her career, Charlotte has supported adults and young people experiencing a range of challenges, as well as developing clinical programmes to support those affected by significant events. She works with schools to support in making their communities relational and is passionate about looking beyond the behaviour.
We are excited to have representatives from different organisations to facilitate sessions throughout the day. We will also have a roving podcast being generated through the day.
Workshop Speakers:
Tim Clarke - Using AI to support pupils and better meet their needs
Headteacher at Cornerstone C of E Primary School developing responses to artificial intelligence and technologies in schools. A workshop focused on effective use of artificial intelligence for both the strategic role of a SENCo and for supporting planning for delivery.
Charlotte Clarke - Managing difficult moments
Works for When the Adults Change. A workshop focused on the difficulties that pupils can encounter in school and how to effectively support them to manage these moments.
Helen Carlow - Motivational interviewing with a focus on behaviour
Hampshire Educational Psychologist, Children's Services developing the motivational interviewing approach. A workshop that focuses on the concept of the motivational interviewing approach and how this can be used in schools to support pupils in managing and adjusting behaviours.
Susan Giles-Cox - Our journey to inclusion
Headteacher at Marnel Infant School developing different approaches to creating inclusion. A workshop focused on the journey that a specific school has taken in order to ensure appropriate support for all which is in line with education, health and care plans but doing this in a strategic way which ensures independence and inclusion are maximised.