The event brought together professionals, parents, carers, and local authority representatives to discuss how to transform the current SEND system to ensure support is Early, Shared, Effective, Local, and Fair. Attendees acknowledged the pressures faced by families, schools, health and social care services, and local authorities, emphasizing the need for a system that works for everyone.

Discussions at the event were deeply rooted in lived experiences, both positive and negative, highlighting the urgency for meaningful change. Key themes included:

• Fair Access Without Diagnosis: Moving away from requiring a formal diagnosis before support is offered.
• Adequate Resourcing: Ensuring those with the greatest needs can access appropriate provision, recognizing that mainstream education is not always suitable.
• Specialist Provision: Acknowledging that lack of availability does not equate to lack of need.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Building on individual strengths while maintaining high expectations for all learners.
• Broadening Inclusion Measures: Expanding the definition of inclusion beyond academic achievement.

Vital questions were raised about the sustainability of current practices, such as:
How do we prevent SENDCos from carrying the entire burden of SEND support?
What does effective and purposeful training around SEND and inclusion look like?

With the much-anticipated SEND White Paper on the horizon, attendees expressed optimism about future consultations and the opportunity to shape a system that truly meets the needs of every child.