Annual SEND Conference 13th June 2024

Please join us for this years Regional Annual SEND Conference. The day is aimed at all educational professionals who work with children and young people in any area of SEND. Our Speakers for the day are:

Sarah is an author and trainer specialising in ADHD, who speaks from a personal and professional perspective. She is a passionate and vocal advocate for adolescents and adults with either unrecognised, and therefore undiagnosed, or late diagnosed ADHD. She firmly believes that the key to stopping ADHD adolescents experiencing adverse life experiences is to educate parents and teachers. Learn more about Sarah here: ADHD Author and ADHD Therapist - Sarah Templeton

Stephen has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist for over 25 years. He is particularly interested in how whole-class practice can include children with developmental language disorder. Stephen has a long-term interest in vocabulary and

has published research in this area. Stephen will talk to us about “Linking behaviour and emotions”. Learn more about Stephen here: NAPLIC | About

Dr Stephen Connolly – Sheffield Hallam University, Lecturer in Autism and Education - “Challenging Ideas about Challenging Behaviour”.

Stephen is a senior lecturer in Autism and Education at Sheffield Hallam University. He is also an autistic researcher focusing on decolonising autism, decolonising research methodology, ethical autism research practices, inclusion of autistic pupils in education, and autistic student experiences of special schools.

Stephen’s background is working in and with special schools, alternative provisions and parents. He is currently teaching around autism theory, autism policy and practice, challenging ideas of challenging behaviour and ethics in education social justice. Learn more about Stephen here: Stephen Connolly | Sheffield Hallam University (shu.ac.uk)

Emily Whiteley – Learning Facilitator/Project Lead for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Programme – NHS South Yorkshire ICB. SLE (Forest School, Outdoor Learning, SEND & Autism) -Bents Green Specialist School

Emily has a broad teaching experience of 29 years specialising in Outdoor Learning, Forest School, SEND and Autism. She is currently on secondment

from her teaching post at Bents Green Secondary Specialist School, Sheffield where she set up the first Forest School Association Recognised Provider Provision in Yorkshire. Her secondment is with the NHS South Yorkshire ICB where she is Learning Facilitator/ Project Lead for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training programme in Autism & Learning Disabilities. She is a Create Sheffield partner and has a Consultancy running specialist training projects and workshops which aim to inspire others to use creative and flexible approaches for all.

Emily’s practical workshop will showcase strategies such as, sensory circuits & sensory stories highlighting the impact small changes in our practice can have on all learners. Using natural materials participants will experience simple sensory

rich activities to gain direct experience of some take away ideas to use in their own setting. Learn more about Emily here: Emily Whiteley -In-between the trees | Create SheffieldHome (inbetweenthetrees.co.uk)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Crowne Plaza Sheffield, Victoria Station Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom