Inclusive education: how can professional conversations help?

We worry about meeting the needs of all learners in equitable ways and we want to create good practice that works for all despite the challenges. We understand that our curriculum, pedagogic, pastoral and assessment practices all make a difference to how inclusive we can be. We also acknowledge the specialist knowledge, support and resources that make a difference. 

As educators we can learn with and from each other.  We can create formal and informal opportunities for professional conversations that make a difference.  These conversations might enable knowledge sharing, problem-solving and effective team development. They might give us the tools and confidence to work more inclusively with children and young people, their families and the community. They might help us value the expertise and lived experiences that teachers, support staff, other professionals, parents, carers and students bring to our settings.

We are fortunate to be joined by a group of contributors with authentic and unique insights and expertise to share. We will learn more from them about inclusion and how professional conversations help them and others to create inclusive education.  We also look forward to reflections from participants to enrich the discussion. 

Our contributors are below: 

• Cathy Gunning is an education coach, mentor and adviser. She is passionate about enabling conversations that inspire growth and confidence for teachers, parents and leaders so that every child can feel heard, held, known and understood.
• Tom Shaw is Director of Research and Development at Carr Manor Community (4-19) School in Leeds. He leads on developing an Inclusion Network for the Leeds Learning Alliance and is supporting a range of education settings across the country to develop inclusive cultures through relational and restorative practice.
• Tracy Edwards leads the Postgraduate Certificate (National Award) is SEN Coordination and the MA Inclusive Practice in Education at Leeds Beckett University.  Previously, she taught for a total of 20 years in two ‘outstanding’ London schools.
• Anthony J. Maher is Director of Research and Professor of Special Educational Needs, Disability, and Inclusion at Leeds Beckett University. His work endeavours to centre the experiences and amplifying the voices of disabled pupils
• Jasen Booton is a coach for school leaders in mental health and well-being.  He has a keen interest in coaching conversations that foster a ‘culture of connection’ and sense of belonging. 
• Sharifah Lee is a primary school headteacher who serves a diverse community. She has been teaching for more than 16 years and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Her school’s ethos is grounded on the values of inclusion and equality.

The evening will be hosted by Rachel Lofthouse, Professor of Teacher Education and Director of CollectivED The Centre for Coaching, Mentoring and Professional Learning at Leeds Beckett University.  It is being hosted online on Thursday 17 November, from 18:00 - 20:00.

Register your place here.