Leading Specialist Spaces in Mainstream: Secondary Inclusion bases
- Online
- 03 Dec 2026 (15:30 - 17:00)
In secondary schools, running an effective Inclusion base comes with distinct pressures. Balancing subject-specialist teaching across Key Stages 3 and 4 with the complex needs of vulnerable learners is a constant challenge. Secondary bases risk becoming perceived as permanent holding bays, informal internal exclusions, or isolated spaces for pupils who struggle in mainstream lessons.
This secondary-focussed webinar unpacks how to align your Support or Specialist Base with the DfE’s 6 Principles of Effective Practice, to maintain strong subject links and build an undeniable framework for pupil success.
This webinar is vital for Secondary Headteachers, Deputy/Assistant Heads for Inclusion and Pastoral, SENCOs, Secondary Inclusion base teachers, and Heads of Faculty who want to move towards a high-ambition, deeply integrated set-up that drives strong, measurable pupil outcomes.
We will explore:
- How to establish a clear intent for your Inclusion Base under the DfE guidance
- How to ensure pupils maintain access to a broad, ambitious curriculum and accredited qualifications without experiencing learning loss or reduced expectations when spending time in the base.
- How to build a robust evidence trail of pupil impact by demonstrating fluid placement pathways back into mainstream subject lessons, tracking small-step SEMH and academic progress, and preparing pupils for successful Post-16 transitions.
Online
Suitable for: SENCO, Teacher, Senior Leader, Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head Teacher, Inclusion Manager/Leader
Meet your trainer
Matt McArthur
Matt McArthur is the Assistant Headteacher at Frank Wise School in Banbury, a special school for children and young adults aged between 2 and 19. Matt currently teaches in both primary and secondary classes, and is the subject-leader for Numeracy. He was Director of Teaching School at the school for five years, and continues to support the Oxfordshire Teaching School Hub with SEND-specific strands of Continuing Professional Development, School-to-School support and Initial Teacher Training. Matt enjoys cooking, keeping fit and reading, and is a committed life-long learner. He has just finished a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently doing his NPQH.
