On Thursday 25th September, SENDCOs from across Embark Federation schools gathered for the latest SENDCO Networking Day – an event designed to bring colleagues together to share practice, strengthen professional networks, and explore fresh ideas for supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The day reflected Embark’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, in every classroom, can access a high-quality education tailored to their individual needs. With sessions led by guest speakers, expert practitioners, and members of the Embark team, it provided the perfect balance of strategic updates, practical advice, and time for collaboration.
One of the central discussion points of the day was framed by a powerful question:
“At different stages of the lesson, how can a Teaching and Learning Assistant best support learning?”
This prompted SENDCOs to reflect on the evolving role of Teaching and Learning Assistants within lessons and how they can best be deployed to maximise impact. The conversation highlighted the importance of:
Preparation and planning — ensuring Teaching and Learning Assistants are briefed and confident about the learning objectives.
Targeted support — offering scaffolding and prompts at key points rather than working in isolation with pupils.
Promoting independence — knowing when to step back, so pupils build confidence and ownership of their learning.
Adapting approaches — responding flexibly to needs as they arise during the lesson.
SENDCOs shared examples from their own schools, showcasing creative ways in which Teaching and Learning Assistants can remove barriers, boost engagement, and foster inclusion across different phases of learning.
The day featured a wide-ranging agenda, covering both updates and professional development opportunities:
ISAS Inclusion Framework Update — an overview of current priorities and developments.
SEND Reviews Collaboration — how Embark and ISAS are working together to strengthen practice.
Professional Pathways — exploring opportunities such as NPQSENCO for SEND leaders.
Director of Education Engagement — insights from Joe Wilson’s recent school visits.
Alternative Provision in Mainstream — strategies shared by Dani England from Swanwick School & Sports College.
Occupational Therapy Expertise — practical ideas from the University of Derby team on sensory processing interventions and how to embed them in classroom practice.
Each session built on Embark’s collective vision of inclusive education, while offering tangible strategies that SENDCOs could take back to their schools.
Beyond the formal agenda, the greatest strength of the day lay in the opportunity for colleagues to pause, step away from the busyness of school life, and reflect together. The SENDCO network is a space where professionals can be honest about challenges, share successes, and find reassurance that they are not working alone.
Participants left with renewed clarity around the importance of small adaptations – those thoughtful, often simple changes in classroom practice that can unlock learning for young people who may otherwise struggle.
Deputy Trust Leader Anna Upton reflected:
“It’s so valuable to step back and think about the bigger picture. Networking days like this remind us that, while every school is different, we are united in the belief that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.”
As we move forward, we remain committed to providing SENDCOs and school staff with the time, resources, and professional networks they need to thrive. Days like this are a reminder that true inclusion is a journey, not a destination – one that requires continual reflection, adaptation, and collaboration.
With each SENDCO Networking Day, the federation grows stronger in its collective commitment to children and families. Together, we are building classrooms where every child can learn, grow, and flourish — academically, socially, and emotionally.