East of England Regional Conference: Working with Families and Experts by Experience

Join us for a transformative day dedicated to reshaping how we collaborate with children, young people, families, and experts by experience. Beyond the policy rhetoric, what does meaningful co-production actually look like in our everyday practice?

This conference brings together authentic lived experience and practical school leadership to explore how we move from consultation to true partnership.

What to Expect Across the Day

• Authentic Lived experience

Hear directly from young people and adults as they share their lived experiences of the SEND system—both the successes and the systemic barriers. Their unique insights offer a powerful blueprint for what works, what needs to change, and how to put genuine meaning behind key inclusion priorities.

• Leading Strategic Practice

Gain actionable frameworks and case studies from school and trust leaders who are embedding family-led design and co-production into their everyday culture, governance, and provision.

• Navigating Systemic Change

Reflect on the evolving national landscape, exploring the implications of ongoing SEND reforms and the emerging National Inclusion Standards for your region, trust, or school setting.

• Connectivity

A fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the region and build your professional network.

Key Conference Themes

• Beyond the Buzzwords: Turning co-production into operational reality.
• Experts by Experience: Centering student and family voices in decision-making.
• System Reform & Inclusion Standards: Preparing your setting for national policy shifts.
• Culture & Communication: Building trust, transparency, and sustainable relationships with families.

Who Should Attend?

SENCOs, Headteachers, Trust Inclusion Leads, Local Authority Partners, Pastoral Leaders, and Governors across the East Region committed to driving authentic, person-centered inclusion

Agenda & Speakers:

Speaker information and agenda updates will be added as soon as they are confirmed, please keep a lookout!

Location: 

Lord Ashcroft Building

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

Cambridge

Cambridgeshire

CB1 1PT

This is a fully funded event by the Department for Education.

If you have any questions, please contact the Whole School SEND team.