As a parent and a SENCo/SLT member working full time, Saturdays are precious.
They are usually reserved for time with my family, which might include a sing-along, time spent in a park or other activities that families cherish on the weekend. When I saw that PGS Educators and SEN Bytes were hosting their inaugural inclusion conference, Creating Inclusive Pathways for All Young People, I knew immediately it was not an event I wanted to miss. I can say with confidence that it was a great decision to attend. I have left the conference with renewed hope for what can be achieved for young people when inclusion is not just a buzzword or policy document.
Held in London, the conference brought together educators, parents and carers, and sector leaders united by one powerful belief: inclusion must be at the forefront of everything we do.
The core message of the conference was simple but profound: inclusion is not an optional extra. It is not a side project, an intervention, or a policy document on a school’s website. Inclusion should be embedded in all decisions schools make, from leadership and curriculum design to pastoral support and community engagement. I recently asked online, “Who is leading inclusion in your school?” For me, inclusion is led by the actions of all who ensure that young people have a sense of belonging and as repeated at the conference, a place where they don’t just belong, but they matter. When schools design systems where every child feels that they belong and that they matter, all young people benefit.
What made this conference so memorable was the honesty and vulnerability of the speakers. The personal stories shared throughout the day were profoundly powerful and deeply moving. They brought to life experiences of challenge, resilience, triumph, and success in ways that statistics could never capture or explain. Speakers offered authentic insight into the lived experiences of children, families, practitioners, and leaders.
They highlighted not only the barriers that many young people face, but also the extraordinary determination required to overcome them. A determination shared by families and schools, and yet so often the system creates division between the two groups. I was moved by the commitment of the speakers and audience to engage in meaningful dialogue that was honest and respectful. These stories reminded us that inclusion is about real people, real journeys, and real outcomes. Too often, a single label is used to describe multiple stories, and in doing so, children don’t receive the appropriate targeted support to ensure inclusion.
Another key takeaway for me was hearing directly from pupils who have been supported by PGS. Pupil voice is always a highlight. There is something uniquely powerful about listening to young people articulate what belonging feels like, what support has meant to them, and what they wish adults understood better. Their reflections were thoughtful, courageous, and deeply insightful. They reinforced the importance of ensuring that inclusive practice is shaped with young people, not simply for them.
I was pleased that while many have come to accept that behaviour is a form of communication. The young people who spoke were proud that they were supported to manage their behaviours, noting the importance of the positive change this will bring for their future endeavours. It got me thinking of the presentations I deliver to staff. How often do I share live or recorded pupil voice? Would it be more impactful than a list of statements on a PowerPoint? This approach will form future presentations.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of partnership. Inclusion will never happen without an honest and reasonable partnership. In many instances, both home and school have similar goals; the difference tends to lie in how the goals are achieved. When inclusion is well understood, stories of inclusion, equity, and unwavering advocacy serve as a powerful reminder that meaningful progress happens when voices are heard and differences are valued. It calls on all parties to place collaboration at the heart of practice. We must remember that no matter the roles and titles, we are humans dealing with personal triumphs and challenges. We should always seek to understand each other through a compassionate partnership.
I could easily have sat on all the panels, and it provided moments for me to learn and reflect on my own practice. My thinking was challenged, and my commitment strengthened. I left the conference more than inspired. The day reinforced our collective responsibility to create educational systems that are compassionate, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all learners and families. As Head of Inclusion at my school, I am always open to learning new ideas that I can implement. A key personal takeaway was the understanding that what we do must be transformational. The exact wording on his slide was, “…Schools must deliver a transformational impact on the experiences and outcomes for disadvantaged, SEND and vulnerable pupils. This is now a daily reflection for me.
Another wonderful aspect of the day was connecting with people whose work I have admired from afar. Seeing so many familiar faces from social media and professional networks added a real sense of warmth and community to the event. It shows that there are so many committed to the work and not just merely online creating content.
If you are not already familiar with PGS Educators and SEN Bytes, please do take the time to explore their work. Both organisations are genuinely transformative, championing inclusive practice in schools and the community. The day provided a window to the excellent work being done where educators, families, and professionals can reimagine what education can and should be for every child.
The inaugural PGS Educators Inclusion Conference was far more than a professional development event. It was a gathering of passionate individuals committed to ensuring that every child and young person has access to meaningful opportunities and a genuine sense of belonging.
The impact was clear:
• Personal stories created deep emotional connection and understanding.
• Pupil voice reminded us why this work matters.
• Collaboration strengthened a shared commitment to action.
• New professional relationships expanded networks of support.
• Participants left with practical ideas and renewed purpose.
Most importantly, the conference demonstrated that the sector is ready to move beyond rhetoric and into meaningful, systemic change. It reminded me why this work matters so deeply, not only as a SENCo and school leader, but as a parent. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Every child deserves to know that they matter.