The Chair of the DfE’s Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion, Tom Rees, has rightly highlighted that “inclusive education is a national priority – and a shared responsibility”. When schools put inclusive practice at the heart of their professional development plans, they create the conditions for all learners to thrive in their organisation. But what strategies are available for schools and trusts to do this, amidst the very real challenges in the SEND system and amongst competing priorities?
This webinar will explore how building a thoughtful commitment to inclusive practice within CPD can enhance and improve pupil outcomes and foster a culture of growth. We will highlight strategies for embedding equity, supporting SEND, and ensuring that all students and staff have the ability to thrive.
Speakers:
- Dr Laura Kerslake, Teaching Assessment and Research Manager, Chartered College of Teaching
- Margaret Mulholland, SEND and Inclusion Specialist, ASCL
- Chanté Oduwolé FCCT
- Jonny Goggs, Associate Director of Partnerships, Chartered College of Teaching
Dr Laura Kerslake is a former classroom teacher who has worked in research roles across the academic, policy and private sectors. She has carried out several projects in schools where she has worked with a wide range of teachers, and students of all ages. She has a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where she focused on oracy education. Laura is currently leading the Next Generation Assessment project at the Chartered College of Teaching. Her work for the Chartered College focuses on how different forms of assessment can promote inclusion and help all learners to thrive.
Margaret Mulholland FCCT is a leading advocate for the role schools play in improving understanding of inclusive leadership and teaching. Margaret is the SEND & Inclusion Policy Specialist for ASCL and has worked as a teacher and leader across mainstream and special settings. Margaret is an Honorary Norham Fellow at the Department of Education, University of Oxford and is a columnist for TES. She sits on multiple SEND advisory boards including Challenge Partners and Whole Education. Margaret works with schools & and trusts across England to support inclusive school improvement.
Chanté Oduwolé is an Assistant Headteacher and strategic SEND leader with extensive experience driving inclusive practice across mainstream and alternative provision settings. She specialises in aligning SEND, disadvantage and wider equity strategies with teaching and learning to improve outcomes for vulnerable learners. A Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), she sits on the BETT Advisory Board, contributing to national conversations around inclusion, innovation and the use of technology to support diverse learners. Her work focuses on embedding inclusive practice within whole-school professional development, ensuring that SEND and inclusion strategies are integrated into classroom practice, leadership systems and organisational culture. She has led significant transformation work, including the development of inclusive teaching frameworks, SEND operational systems, and strategic approaches to early identification and intervention. She has a particular interest in the intersection of policy, research and practice.