Why inclusion can’t wait: Reflections from the Schools North East Inclusion Conference 25
Yesterday (22 May), we proudly hosted the Schools North East Inclusion Conference 2025, bringing together educators, leaders, and advocates to tackle one of the most pressing issues in our education system today: inclusion.
The overriding message was clear… there is no time to waste. The challenges facing our schools in terms of SEND, behaviour, mental health, attendance, and access to supporting services don’t just exist; they are roaring at our doors, intensified by long-standing inequalities within the North East.
The statistics painted a stark picture: the North East holds the highest rates of children with EHCPs, persistent absence, children in care, and child poverty in England. Referrals to CAMHS are soaring, while support remains hard-to-reach with months-long waiting lists.
All of this is set against a backdrop of shrinking real-terms funding for high needs, dwindling local authority services, and overstretched specialist provisions. This isn’t theoretical — it’s the daily reality in classrooms across the North East and beyond.
So much to celebrate amongst the challenges
Despite the systemic challenges, the conference highlighted the incredible dedication of North East school leaders, teachers, support staff, and SENCOs. They are the ones finding creative workarounds, supporting families, and adapting learning every single day, quietly and consistently.
The conference served as a powerful reminder that the North East doesn’t wait for policy; it shapes practice, driven by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering refusal to give up on any child. Our schools are the constants for children and families when the system falls short, offering advocacy, problem-solving, and championship.
The work of inclusion is undeniably hard, often exhausting and, let’s face it, disheartening. Yet, the conference also illuminated the profound joy found within this profession – the joy of witnessing a child grasp a new concept, of creating a school community that feels like home, and of shaping lives with an influence that ripples for years.
Leading and teaching in schools is a profession built on purpose, fuelled by hope, and sustained by moments of real, human connection that make it all worthwhile.
The conference was a vital space to recognise and amplify the expertise of those on the front lines, reminding us that while this work is incredibly challenging, it is also life-changing.
Keynote insights: Shaping the future of inclusion
The conference featured a series of insightful keynotes and sessions, each offering unique perspectives on how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive education system.
Ofsted and inclusion: A new direction
An insightful session led by Senior HMI Alison Aitchison explored how Ofsted is working to improve education inspection with a particular focus on Alternative Provision, SEND, and Inclusion.
Attendees gained valuable insights into how schools and settings can participate in the ongoing consultation. The session delved into the background and scope of the 2025 education reforms, outlining Ofsted’s proposals, including new report cards, education inspection toolkits, and revised inspection methodologies.
This provided a crucial understanding of what these proposals mean for schools, especially concerning identifying schools causing concern.
Regional collaboration for standards and excellence
Katherine Cowell (Regional Schools Director for the North East, Department for Education), and Pippa Irwin (Head Teacher of Beverley School), provided a comprehensive overview of inclusion successes and ongoing challenges within the North East.
Their session highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) initiative, outlining how we can collectively work towards enhancing educational outcomes across the region.
Pippa stressed that it’s so important opportunities for social integration are acknowledged and celebrated, and strongly encouraged delegates to engage with the special schools in their local area and embrace partnerships.
Cultivating belonging in schools
Hannah Wilson (Director of Diverse Educators), led a thought-provoking session on “Cultivating Belonging.” This keynote encouraged attendees to reflect on what gives us a sense of belonging and to explore our own journeys with it.
Discussions revolved around gathering staff voice on belonging, reviewing perception gaps between stakeholder groups, and considering how to foster a culture and curriculum that inherently promote belonging.
The session also critically examined the policies and practices that require change to increase levels of belonging for all members of the school community.
Breaking Barriers: Working towards a truly inclusive education system
Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, delivered a powerful and timely discussion during her own keynote.
Drawing on her extensive experience with children, families, and policymakers, Dame Christine reflected on the current landscape of inclusion in education.
With inclusion at the heart of educational conversations in 2025, her insights offered critical perspectives on where we stand, the fundamental questions we need to ask, and the core values that must guide our collective efforts as we look to the future.
What do we, as individual schools and staff, need to make inclusion easier? What does that look like to us?
Let’s carry the energy and insights from yesterday forward
Beyond these inspiring keynotes, the day was enriched by various brilliant breakout sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that allowed delegates to share best practices, learn from one another, and build vital connections.
A huge thank you to all our exceptional speakers, generous sponsors, dedicated exhibitors, and, most importantly, every single delegate who contributed to making the Schools North East Inclusion Conference 2025 such a resounding success.
Let’s carry the energy and insights from yesterday forward, continuing to champion inclusion in our schools every single day. For every child, for every school, for the future of our region.