PLP SEND Conference 2026 with Paul Dix and Pooky Knightsmith

Building on the success of last year's conference, we are delighted to bring you a second day of expert-led learning, practical insight and meaningful connection — all focused on creating truly inclusive schools for learners with SEND.

This free, in-person event at The Friary School brings together teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants and school leaders from across the region for a full day shaped around three powerful themes: inclusion, dignity, belonging and high expectations.

We are thrilled to welcome back Dr Pooky Knightsmith, who will lead two keynote sessions exploring how schools can be intentionally designed to support neurodivergent learners, and how to translate inclusive values into confident, equitable practice. We are also delighted to welcome Paul Dix, whose work on relational practice and adult behaviour has shaped school culture in settings across the country.

An internationally respected figure in child and adolescent mental health, Pooky works tirelessly to ‘be the change she wants to see’. A prolific keynote speaker, lecturer, trainer, and author, she develops and shares practical, evidence-informed approaches to promoting mental health—arming health, social care, and education staff with the skills, understanding, and knowledge they need to support the children in their care.

Pooky has a PhD in child mental health from the Institute of Psychiatry, is the author of many books, and is the Research and Development Director at Creative Education. She is a former Chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. Based in Sussex, she has two daughters and three dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys climbing, knitting, and singing tenor in her local choir. Pooky also lives with PTSD and autism, bringing personal insight into her work.

📢 Follow Pooky:

• Twitter: @Pookyh
• Instagram: @PookyH
• Website: www.pookyknightsmith.com
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/pookyh
• LinkedIn: Pooky Knightsmith
• Email: [email protected]

A teacher, leader and trainer with 30 years of experience working with the most complex behaviours in the most challenging contexts, Paul Dix is one of the UK's most compelling voices on relational practice and school culture. As Director of When The Adults Change Ltd, his work is embedded in thousands of schools across the world — from Kazakhstan to Tokyo, Sydney to Stoke — transforming how adults support children's behaviour.

Paul has advised the Department for Education on Teacher Standards, given evidence to the Education Select Committee, and worked with the Ministry of Justice on behaviour and restraint in youth custody. His bestselling book When The Adults Change, Everything Changes has sold more than 200,000 copies and remains a core text on teacher training courses. His most recent book, When The Parents Change Everything Changes, published by Penguin Random House, explores how relational approaches can transform behaviour at home as well as school.

Paul is driven by a determination to ensure every child experiences a relational education managed by calm, highly skilled adults — and his sessions leave audiences not just inspired, but ready to act.

📢 Follow Paul:

• Facebook: When The Adults Change
• Instagram: @theadultschange
• X: @TheAdultsChange
• YouTube: @TheAdultsChange
• LinkedIn: Paul Dix

With inclusivity as the theme, whether in special or mainstream settings, this conference is designed to empower educators, practitioners, and professionals to create truly inclusive environments.

This is a free event, but spaces are limited - secure your spot today!

Info: Join us for refreshments, registration and informal networking with colleagues from across the region.

Info: Setting the purpose and values of the day: inclusion, dignity, belonging and high expectations.

Info: Exploring how schools can be intentionally designed to support autistic and ADHD learners, with a practical framework for creating environments where neurodivergent pupils feel safe, understood and able to engage.

Info: How adult behaviour, consistency and relationships shape school culture — addressing EBSA prevention, inclusion without lowering expectations, and relational approaches that improve wellbeing and outcomes.

Info: A free lunch is provided, with protected time for professional dialogue, reflection and networking across schools and sectors.

Info: Translating inclusive values into confident, equitable practice — balancing high expectations with meaningful adjustments to support access, engagement and success for neurodivergent learners.

Info: Drawing the day together and signposting continued collaboration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Friary School, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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