Leading Specialist Spaces in Mainstream: Critical Foundations

Online

22 Jan 2026 (16:00 - 17:45)

Universal SEND Services

This first session is critical for any leader establishing or reviewing internal specialist provisions. We will address the core questions:

The 'Why': Clarifying the problem you are solving and determining if internal, specialist provision is the best, most feasible solution for your setting.
The 'Who': Defining leadership responsibilities, decision-making processes, and how to enact a clear vision.
The 'What': Exploring appropriate curriculum models for cohorts with complex SEND profiles, and strategically drawing on specialist sector expertise.

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. 