North East Regional Conference: SEND and Inclusion in the Current Accountability Framework
Speaker information will be added as soon as they are confirmed - keep a lookout!
Join senior and inclusion leaders to unpack the current accountability framework and expectations. Hear lived inspection insights, learn from Early Years specialists and RISE advisor, and network with colleagues across the region to share experiences that enrich and sustain inclusive practice across settings.
Emma has been in early education for over 20 years, and in a wide range of roles. Her true passion is ensuring young children receive the best possible start to their journey in order to thrive, both personally and academically. Emma is committed to supporting schools within our trust and works collaboratively with early years workforce, covering 9 local authorities in the North East of England through the Stronger Practice Hub. She is enthusiastic about providing high quality professional development around child development, early years curriculum and pedagogy and is truly dedicated to supporting others to achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.
Emma actively works with the DfE, school leaders, phase leaders and early years practitioners, as well as delivering the NPQEYL with Northern Lights Teaching School Hub.
Emma Whelam-Tate
Susie is the Headteacher of Haltwhistle Primary Academy, a school of 250 children aged 3-11 years. The school is located within an area of rural deprivation, distanced from the medical hubs, specialist provision and wider care services within the North East. This has presented unique challenges when supporting families to access the range of support required to meet their children’s needs.
In her role as the Strategic Lead for the Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, Susie has aligned the delivery strategy for the hub with the need for inclusion focused support to strengthen expertise across the North East. She also contributes to network and professional development delivery.
Susie Drake
During her thirteen years in mainstream secondary education, Sarah has worked as Literacy Lead, Specialist Provision Lead (cognition and learning) and SENDCO. Sarah has Specialist Leader in Education status, an MA in Education and is a Specialist Assessor. Sarah has a particular interest in supporting children and young people with cognition and learning needs access an ambitious curriculum. Sarah also has experience with low incidence needs, leading two resourced provisions for children and young people with sensory impairments. Sarah is passionate about improving inclusion and access in mainstream settings and joined the Whole School SEND team in 2021. She is currently the Assistant Principal, SEND, at The King’s Academy in Middlesbrough.
Sarah Watson
Pippa Irwin is the Head Teacher at Beverley School, a specialist school for children and young people with autism in the UK.
She is a dedicated leader in the field of inclusive education, committed to integrating students with special needs into mainstream settings both in the UK and abroad. With a career spanning over 28 years, Pippa has been instrumental in promoting inclusive practices that aim to create a more inclusive society.
