SAAS Summer Series: Episode 2 | How the SEND White Paper Will Shape Inclusive Education

What could the Schools White Paper mean for the future of SEND and inclusive education?

Welcome back to SAAS Summer Sessions, our summer series bringing some of the most popular sessions from the Schools & Academies Show London 2026 directly to your screen.

Whether you're catching up between meetings or taking a well-earned break over the summer holidays, Summer Sessions gives you the opportunity to access expert insight from across the education sector and enjoy free CPD wherever you are.

Our second session explores one of the biggest conversations currently shaping education: how the Schools White Paper could influence the future of SEND and inclusion, and what schools can do now to strengthen inclusive practice.

Watch the Session

WATCH EPISODE 2 ON YOUTUBE >>

How Much Difference Will a White Paper Make to SEND and Inclusion?

Speakers

• Syra Sowe, Principal (Interim), Swiss Cottage School
• Claire Dorer OBE, Chief Executive Officer, The National Association of Special Schools
• Adam Kohlbeck, Director of Teacher Quality, Chiltern Learning Trust
• Sonal Desai, Director, Insight Innovate; Chief Customer Officer, SENshine; SEND Adviser (DfE ECSC Framework); Inclusion & SEND Systems Leadership Consultant
• Sam Henson, Deputy Chief Executive, National Governance Association (NGA)

Chair: Rebecca Fowkes, Senior Director – Growth & Marketing, VenturEd Solutions

The publication of the Schools White Paper has prompted important discussions across the education sector, particularly around the future of SEND provision and inclusive practice.

In this expert panel discussion, sector leaders examine how the White Paper could shape the direction of education, while recognising that many schools are already delivering outstanding inclusive practice today.

The conversation explores how schools, trusts and wider partners can work together to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, regardless of where policy development currently stands.

What You'll Learn

After watching this session, you'll gain insight into:

• The characteristics of effective inclusive practice already being seen across schools and trusts.
• How the Schools White Paper could influence SEND provision and teacher development in the years ahead.
• The role of collaboration between schools, families and wider professional partners in improving outcomes.
• Practical approaches to strengthening inclusion without waiting for future policy changes.
• How leadership, governance and staff development can help create truly inclusive learning environments.

Whether you're a school leader, SENDCO, governor, trust leader or education professional, this session offers valuable perspectives on one of the most significant topics currently facing the education sector.

Continue the Conversation This November

This Summer Session is just one of hundreds of expert-led discussions taking place at the Schools & Academies Show Birmingham and the co-located SEND Conference, on 18-19 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Join over 4,000 education professionals, hear from 300+ expert speakers, access 50+ hours of free CPD, and discover practical strategies to strengthen inclusion, improve outcomes and support every learner.

👉 Register free today and continue the conversation in Birmingham.