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The voice of specialist further education

SEND leadership conference

Event details

Date:

Tuesday 21 April 2026

Time:

10:00am–4:00pm

Location:

Conference Aston
Aston Street, Aston University Campus
Birmingham, B4 7ET United Kingdom
This event is available to members and affiliates of Natspec only.
This conference is for current and previous delegates of our SEND leadership programme, to further develop their leadership skills by:

  • Examining how the government’s SEND reform proposals will affect specialist colleges

  • Refreshing and using skills developed on the leadership programme to support national and local lobbying about the reforms

  • Identifying specific challenges relating to the future role of specialist colleges, and working with other delegates on strategies to address them.

The conference will also be an opportunity for delegates to reconnect with each other and share examples of applying their leadership skills since leaving the programme.

The agenda for the day will cover:

Morning: Networking, introduction to SEND leadership proposals and challenges to address; reflections on how skills developed during programme can be used to shape our response to the proposals

Afternoon: using a coaching approach for specific challenges relating to the future role of your college: direct delivery of specialist provision packages, use of national funding bands and the future of LA commissioning.

Cost

The below cost is for each attendee. Invoices will be sent after the event.

  • Natspec members £115 + VAT (day place)
  • Affiliates £140 + VAT (day place)

Venue travel information

Travelling by train

Conference Aston is only a short walk from Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street. See their ‘how to get to us‘ page for more details.

Travelling by car

Onsite parking must be booked and paid for, online, prior to arrival. A valid Vehicle Registration Number is required when booking. This can be done via Conference Aston – Online car park booking system. We recommend booking your place early as spaces cannot be guaranteed nearer the time of the event. Alternatively, nearby pay and display parking is available at Millennium Point. Further details can be found at alternative parking section on Conference Aston website.

Any queries, or requests for accessible parking, should be directed to info@conferenceaston.co.uk

Conference Aston is within the Clean Air Zone. Charges may apply. Please check vehicles online in advance using Birmingham Clear Air Zone website.

Book your place

    I confirm I am either a current or past delegate of SEND Leadership programme (required)

    Name (required)

    College (required)

    Job title (required)

    Email address (required)

    Dietary requirements

    Other dietary requirements / further details

    Accessibility needs

    Other accessibility needs / further details

    Package


    Further information will be sent to you by email at least one week before the event. If you do not receive this, please check spam before emailing transform@natspec.org.uk

    Completion and return of this application form constitutes a contract between yourselves and Natspec. Cancellations made within 5 working days of the event may be charged at full cost. Substitutions are welcome, provided the substitute has also completed SEND Leadership programme. Substitution can be made at any time without charge. If you book hotel accommodation through us, it is non refundable from the point of booking. Natspec reserves the right to cancel or alter the course for reasons beyond its control.

    Please notify us in writing at transform@natspec.org.uk if you wish to make a substitution or a cancellation.

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