‘Inclusion beyond COVID’ - nasen LIVE 2021 returns to the stage in Birmingham

We are so excited to be hosting our milestone nasen Live 2021 conference in-person today. Birmingham’s Vox Centre will welcome hundreds of delegates uniting to explore the theme of ‘Inclusion beyond COVID’.

As one of the SEND community’s first live face-to-face events for more than a year, the stage is set for a dynamic blend of specialist speakers, practical workshops, diverse exhibitors and thought-provoking panel discussions, including:

• Virtual keynote address from Will Quince MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Children and Families)
• Additional keynote speeches from incoming Chief Executive Officer, Annamarie Hassall MBE, and Apple Education, exploring inclusion and accessibility post-COVID
• Mrunal Sisodia OBE, and Tina Emery, Co-Chairs at NNPCF, on the long-term impact of COVID on families of young people with SEND
• Joe Fautley and Rosalind Hardy, young people with lived experience of autism and Aspergers Syndrome (respectively), speaking about autism and co-production and in particular, ways to directly involve children and young people with SEND in decision making
• Philippa Stobbs, Assistant Director at the Council for Disabled Children, on how to prepare for adulthood
• Dr Dominic Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education and SEND at Manchester Metropolitan University, discussing neurodiversity in the context of Initial Teacher Education
• Jane Green, Chair and founder of the charitable, voluntary award-winning Sussex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Hypermobility Community Group (SEDS), exploring why hypermobility is an issue in education and what it means to be a ‘bendy;
• Louisa Reeves, Head of Impact and Evidence at the children’s communication charity, I CAN, discussing the impact of COVID on children and young people's speech, language and communication (SLCN)
• Celebrated author Nick Butterworth, creator of the Percy the Park Keeper series, sharing his author insight

Describing her excitement about the day ahead, incoming CEO Annamarie Hassall MBE, said: “I am delighted to welcome professionals, families, experts and individuals with lived experience to nasen Live 2021. This opportunity to meet, learn and connect with each other will help strengthen our community’s sense of togetherness, particularly following the pandemic, which for many in the sector, presents ongoing challenges.

“As we look ahead with hope to brighter times, we have a lot to learn from each other, and from the children, young people, and families whose lives we aim to transform in the UK, and worldwide.

“Our theme, ‘Inclusion Beyond COVID’, forms a key part of nasen’s work to spotlight the continuing inequities in education and to harness best practice around what is working in the sector for learners with SEND and learning differences. We wish all of our delegates, speakers and exhibitors an insightful and enlightening nasen LIVE and would like to share particular thanks to our headline sponsors, Axcis Education, GL Assessment and Scanning Pens.”

nasen’s Chief Operating Officer, Amrit Singh, who is speaking at the event, added: “The whole nasen team is thrilled to unite the sector at nasen LIVE 2021. Our network is now home to over 38,000 members, across more than 8,000 schools and settings - not only in the UK, but internationally.

“As we navigate the post-COVID landscape, we will continue our important work, not only in the UK but through nasen International – the global arm of nasen – where we will unite with international SEND leaders and education workforces to promote global equitable education and transform outcomes for the learners who need us, wherever in the world they may be.

“This year will mark our 30th anniversary: 30 years of championing, connecting and supporting individuals who make a difference daily. We are looking forward to launching our milestone State of SEND report in 2022, which will draw on the important insights from today’s event and further consultation with our members and partners.”

We will be keeping everyone updated throughout the day on Twitter so if you’re unable to join us today, please follow us @nasen_org #nasenLive2021