SEND Conference 2025
The New Year at Canford was marked with its first Special ÍÑ¿ã°Éal Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Learning Conference.
Local schools were invited to attend to share learning and good practice to help improve support for high ability pupils.
Teachers, support staff, SENDCOs and senior leaders from several primary, secondary, independent and state schools came together at Canford to focus on topics including approaches to mindfulness, pupil voice and neurodiversity, wellbeing and spelling.
The conference explored practical ways to provide both 'challenging' and 'accessible' learning opportunities for high ability pupils with SEND, with additional focus on pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition.
Andrew Farbridge, SENDCO and Head of Support for Learning at Canford, said;
'Understanding different types of Special ÍÑ¿ã°Éal Needs and Disabilities and how they impact on teaching and learning forms an essential part of modern education. Our focus for the Conference was very much to explore practical ways to provide both 'challenging' and 'accessible' learning opportunities for all pupils and especially those identified with SEND that have high academic potential'.
Providing excellent opportunities for networking, the day was a mix of presentations and smaller interactive workshops to encourage engagement and open, honest discussion. Delegates also enjoyed lunch in the Great Hall followed by a leisurely walk through the school’s historical and modern buildings and beautiful grounds.As the first conference of its kind at Canford, we were delighted with the positive feedback from delegates which included:
'Thank you so much for such an informative and inspirational day yesterday at the SEND conference. We were made to feel very welcome, not just by the Learning Support team, but from all the Canford staff.'
'Really engaging, entertaining and inclusive presentation on autism - would highly recommend Andrew presents to all who work in education (as someone who has difficulties with focus he kept my attention the whole time).'
'Would highly recommend - warm welcome and friendly team throughout, beautiful grounds and excellent speakers.'
To find out more about academic learning at Canford, please visit
We hope to run our next Canford SEND Learning Conference at a similar time next year. Please contact
events@canford.com to register your interest.
January 2025