Is it exploring the exhibits? Connecting with new people? Or maybe there is a particular talk you're looking forward to listening to? Whatever it is, share on this discussion thread so that others can hear your recommendations! ⭐

Welcome everyone to this room for attendees of the Tes SEND Show 2024! We're looking forward to meeting as many of you there as possible. Please do come and say hi - the SEND Network will be at stand 68 😊 In the meantime, we hope you find this a useful space to connect with other attendees before and after the event. Please feel free to introduce yourself and share what you're hoping to get out of the show 👏

We're excited to launch our SEND Network socials! This will be an opportunity to connect with other SEND Network members via an online call, run by the SEND Network team.  What can you expect?  The aim of these socials is to bring together SEND Network members in a casual format so you can get to know more people and share common experiences. We will start with general introductions and then provide an opportunity for you to discuss what you like, e.g.:  Is there something which has been gone well or not so well which you'd like to share with other members?  Do you have any questions you'd like to ask others about their practice or experience?  Do you just want to connect with other members and learn more about what everyone does?  Then socials are the place for you! They are designed to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone, so if you have any particular requirements, are nervous about joining, or have any ideas for future socials please do get in touch here. The socials will run on a first-come first-serve basis, so if you don't manage to join this time, we will be sure to invite you to the next social first 😊 We're looking forward to meeting lots of you there! To RSVP the meet up, visit the event page here

For our next podcast episode of the SEND Network Podcast, we are joined by Speech and Language Therapist @Juliet Leonard from @Speech & Language Link to discuss practical takeaways for supporting SLCN.  If you have any questions you want Juliet to answer in the episode, feel free to add them to this discussion! 

Language is a common debate in discussions around SEND. Today, the Avanti Schools Trust Director of education, Mike Ion, has suggested a language change when referring to the role of a SENDCo. Read the article here: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/no-more-sendcos-the-role-needs-a-new-title-and-status/ A recent study revealed that two in five SENDCos are not on their school’s senior leadership team, yet many take on leadership responsibilities. Mike suggests that the term ‘coordinator’ in SENDCo suggests a focus on organisation and coordination, rather than leadership. He suggests instead the term SEND and Inclusion Lead, and for the lead to be a compulsory member of the SLT. Do you think a change in job title is a good idea? If so why? Comment your opinions on this thread!

This week is Autism Acceptance Week and we would love to hear from you about best practice in your school/setting.  What has worked well in your setting to promote autism acceptance and inclusion? Please share your success stories and learnings in this thread. 

Don't miss Guide Dogs' webinar on reasonable adjustments in schools to support children with vision impairment - taking place today at 4pm. Click here to register.  This free online event is perfect for educators, local authorities, SEND professionals, and anyone interested in inclusive education. The Guide Dogs expert panel will outline requirements under the law, share practical tips and success stories on how to support students with a vision impairment, and answer your questions. The panel will include representatives from Guide Dogs, the National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NatSIP), the vision impairment education workforce, and the Department of Education, as well as a student sharing their own experience.

Ahead of World Sleep Day on 15th March, the SEND Network team are speaking to two sleep consultants from @Hunrosa about strategies to resolve sleep difficulties in the SEND population in school. And we'd love to ask some of your questions! What do you want to ask or to know more about regarding sleep?  Please share your questions in this thread by Sunday 3rd March 👇