Subject Conference - End of Year

We are delighted to invite colleagues to our Subject Conference marking the end of the 2025–26 academic year. This half-day event provides an opportunity for MAT subject leaders and central teams to reconnect, collaborate, and explore shared strategic priorities across our partnership.

Agenda

8:45am – 9:00am - Arrival and Registration

9:00am – 9:15am - Welcome and Overview of the Day

9:15am – 10:00am - Leading Change and Improvement – Part 1: Change Management, Matt Dunn, Nottingham Business School

Matt Dunn is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on the Executive MBA at Nottingham Business School, and Module Leader for Leading Innovation and Change Management.

This session begins a 90-minute exploration of leading change and improvement, using recognised models such as the Change Kaleidoscope and Kotter’s 8 Steps. Drawing on delegates’ recent experiences of change, we will examine what has worked well, the challenges encountered, and why. The session will also consider how these models can support current and emerging changes, including state-funded school inspections and initiatives such as Each Child Achieving and Thriving. The session concludes with an introduction to Adaptive Leadership as a practical approach to leading change.

10:00am – 10:15am - Networking Break

10:15am – 11:00am - Leading Change and Improvement – Part 2: Change Management and Adaptive Leadership, Matt Dunn, Nottingham Business School

Continuation of the morning session, with a deeper focus on adaptive leadership and applying change models in practice.

11:00am – 11:15am - Networking Break

11:15am – 12:15pm - SEND Reform in Practice: What the White Paper Means for Your Schools, Abigail Hawkins, Founder and Director, SENDCO Solutions

Abigail Hawkins is a highly experienced SEN consultant, trainer, and former SENCO with more than 30 years’ experience in education. She is the founder of SENsible SENCO and SENDCO Solutions Ltd, supporting schools and trusts across the UK to strengthen inclusive practice, develop strategic leadership, and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.

This session offers a practical examination of the proposed changes set out in the SEND and Inclusion White Paper, focusing on their likely implications for schools. Moving beyond policy headlines, Abigail will explore the day-to-day impact for SENCOs and school leaders, including systems, documentation, provision, and accountability. Using a simple Inclusion Framework and Report Checklist, attendees will be supported to review current practice against emerging expectations, identify gaps, and begin aligning their approach with the direction of travel. Delegates will leave with clear, manageable next steps to support confident and effective SEND leadership.

12:15pm – 12:30pm - Closing Remarks

12:30pm - Lunch Served for All Delegates

We are very much looking forward to seeing you all there.