Specialist Spotlight: Creating an effective inclusion strategy (Cross phase)
- Online
- 05 Oct 2026 (15:30 - 16:30)
A dedicated session to help you design an inclusion strategy that meets the new DfE requirements while being meaningful, relevant and tailored to your own school or setting.
The DfE requires schools to publish an Inclusion Strategy by 31 December 2026. This practical CPD session will support school leaders and SENCOs to understand the purpose of the strategy, consider what effective inclusion looks like in their own context, and approach the process with confidence.
Led by Margaret Mulholland, SEND and Inclusion Policy Specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the session will provide specialist insight into the key considerations and steps involved in developing a strong, whole-school approach to inclusion.
The session will explore how schools can strategically consider pupil need, inclusive practice, leadership and provision while ensuring their strategy reflects the unique context and priorities of their school.
Participants will be guided through the key elements to consider when developing their strategy, with opportunities to reflect on their own school context and identify priorities for development.
The session is designed to help Headteachers, school leaders and SENCOs move from policy and guidance to a practical, coherent strategy that supports a genuinely inclusive school culture.
Due to the interactive nature of these sessions, recordings will not be made available after the event.
Online
Suitable for: SENCO, Teacher, Support staff, Senior Leader
Meet your trainer
Margaret Mulholland
Margaret Mulholland is a specialist in inclusivity and Special Educational Needs. She is advisor on SEND policy for the Association of School and College Leaders and Whole School SEND Project Director leading an evaluation for the Education Endowment Foundation.
A leading advocate for the role SEND settings play in improving understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, Margaret brings over 20 years experience in ITT innovation and practice. She spent seven years as Director of Development & Research at a leading Special School and thirteen years at the Institute of Education, where she was responsible for innovative employment based routes to QTS, PGCE secondary partnerships and a Challenge Partners school leadership programme. Margaret sits on the Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers, is an advisor to the UK Government on ITT curriculum development and works with local authorities as an external advisor for NQTs, ITT and leadership development. She is also writes a column on research and inclusivity for the Times Educational Supplement.
