NNoSS Conference 2025
St Andrew's Football Stadium, Birmingham
The National Network of Special Schools annual conference is the only conference of its kind in the country, exclusively designed for School Business Professionals working in special and hospital schools, and alternative provision settings.
This conference brings together colleagues from across the country who are involved in the business management of specialist schools. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to be inspired, share best practice, and network with peers. Attendees will benefit from motivational speakers, expert-led sessions, and practical workshops tailored to the unique challenges of these educational environments.
The conference will feature a blend of keynote speeches and practical sessions, ensuring you stay informed about the latest policies, practices, and procedures impacting your settings. The National Network of Special Schools annual conference also offers a prime opportunity to network with fellow professionals and engage with leading provider organisations at our focused exhibition.
Notable Past Speakers:
Our previous conferences have featured distinguished speakers such as Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System, DfE; David Withey, CEO of ESFA; Tom Goldman, Deputy Director of Funding Policy, DfE; Professor Steve Peters, Consultant Psychiatrist, bestselling author, and CEO of Chimp Management; Carrie Grant MBE, Vocal Coach, Presenter, and SEND advocate; Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of Schools Trusts; and Tom Rees, former Executive Director of Programmes at Ambition Institute.
For more information, visit the NNoSS website by clicking here.
Book your placeEvent Organiser
Event Costs
NNoSS Members£90 +VAT
SNE Partner Schools£90 +VAT
Non-NNoSS Member School Delegate£190 +VAT
NNoSS Commercial Partner Member£250 +VAT
Non School, Non Commercial Partner£300 +VAT
Book your placeEvent Overview
Managing Menopause in the workplace – Julie Liddell, Managing Director, Still Human
Menopause will affect every single woman at some point in their lives. Given that 10% of women leave their job due to symptoms of menopause, and countless others go part-time, leave leadership positions or don’t apply for promotion – menopause is of particular importance to the workplace.
Menopause however isn’t just an issue for ‘women of a certain age’ it is a whole-
organisation issue. Younger women, partners, colleagues, managers and senior leaders can all benefit from understanding more about menopause.
Only when we engage everyone in the menopause conversation will we achieve inclusivity around the issue.
Join us in this session to gain knowledge and understanding of what menopause is, including the potential impact on physical and mental health, as well as learning how to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those experiencing this transition.
Diana Osagie
Author, Courageous Leadership
With 20 years' experience leading secondary education, including six years as a successful head teacher in a London secondary school; Diana works at the cutting edge of leadership development. She is known as a resilient school leader,skilled in urban leadership under challenging circumstances. Diana has substantial success in developing school wide models that strategically enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum and can couple sound strategic vision whilst giving clear operational direction. Diana is also a school inspector with developed expertise scrutinising school wide systems. Diana is the author of the book Courageous Leadership- An hour to quash the tummy flies in your butter! A humorous account of the highs and lows of leading in challenging circumstances, giving strategic insight to leaders who are serving at the chalk face and need someone to honestly share the mistakes, mishaps and triumphs of leadership. With a proven track record of developing leaders via bespoke training programs, Diana founded The Academy of Women's Leadership; specialising in supporting women to grow the leadership cultures of their organisations and to flourish as leaders established in confidence, Diana has established capability in mentoring and supporting leaders facing challenging circumstances and change. Successful leaders have someone in their corner who understands and has overcome similar challenges. We all need an advocate and that is what Diana becomes when you work together, She is an advocate for your leadership.
Julie Liddell
Managing Director, Still Human
Julie has over 25 years experience of teaching Psychology, along with an enthusiasm for sharing simple, effective ways to improve wellbeing.
Having worked in the post 16 sector both as a teacher and a Senior Manager, Julie has a genuine understanding of the current challenges facing education.
Julie founded Still Human as she believes that when staff health and wellbeing is nurtured, it positively impacts both the individual and the whole school community. Still Human is part of the educational support services organisation, The Edwin Group and delivers workshops on a wide range of topics including Stress Management, Mindfulness, the Menopause and Rest, as well as delivering Wellbeing Champion training.
Pauline Aitchison
Deputy Director, Schools North East & NNoSS Network Lead
Pauline joined Schools North East in July 2017 as Business Manager and was appointed Deputy Director in 2020. She also leads the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS), a network representing 400 schools in the specialist sector across England.
Prior to joining Schools North East in 2017, Pauline was a School Business Manager and has more than 25 years experience of working in education. She has a wealth of knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools and is committed to making a difference to the learning chances of all pupils.
Pauline is also experienced in school governance having served on various governing bodies and is currently a trustee of a special school trust and a committee chair. She has an MBA in strategic leadership and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.
Accommodation
For anyone wishing to stay in Birmingham the night before of the event, we have agreed a reduced rate with the Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham.
The discount code and booking instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation.
Drink Reception
There will once again, be a pre-conference drinks reception on Wednesday 7 May. Further details and invitation will be sent closer to the date.
Transports
The nearest train stations are Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Snow Hill, or Birmingham Moor Street:
New Street Station is approximately 10 minutes away from the station in a taxi (approx. £6) and a 20-minute walk.
To make your way to St Andrew’s by bus from Birmingham City Centre: Bus numbers 17 and 60, you’ll find the stop along the side of Moor Street Station opposite the Selfridges building.
For further information please see nxbus.co.uk
Parking
The stadium has plenty of car spaces available:
Car Park A – 200 spaces located off Cattell Road
Car Park B – 80 spaces located off Cattell Road
Car Park C – 150 spaces located off Garrison Lane
Arrival
Please head to the registration desk on the first floor and register your arrival.
Wifi
Wifi details to be confirmed.
Please use the form below to book if you have any issues click here to open in your browser.
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