Education Partnership Conference 2026
The Education Partnership Conference, hosted by Nottingham Institute of Education, brings together keynote speakers and interactive workshops to explore effective approaches to inclusive education.
Type of event: Conferences
From: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 9.30 am
To: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 4 pm
Location: TL004, Teaching and Learning Building, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University, College Drive, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8NS
Booking deadline: Thursday 18 June 2026, 12.00 pm
Event details
This annual conference aims to engage with our professional practitioner partners in critical reflection, practice-based research, the development of future direction and ongoing professional growth.
This year, as well as the usual coverage of quality mentoring of trainee teachers and developments in various subjects, our theme is to strengthen our shared understanding of inclusive education.
We aim to showcase effective evidence-based inclusive educational approaches across all phases, and to support ITE mentors and trainees in meeting the diverse needs of learners across SEND, EAL, mental health and socio-economic disadvantage.
Programme
| 9 am | Refreshments and registration TL004 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.50 am | Open and welcome TL004 | ||
| 10 - 10.30 am | Keynote 1, Phil Wood From polycrisis to ecologies of flourishing Reflect on how we might begin to redress the challenges presented by the educational polycrisis to create more positive contexts in which to work and learn. TL004 | ||
| 10.30 - 11 am | Keynote 2, Sarah Normansall-Thomas Mentoring neurodivergent Trainees: Building belonging through reflective inclusive practice. TL004 | ||
| 11 am - 12 pm | Workshop 1, Jo Wells Inclusive Mentoring Space; How can we support our trainees effectively? An opportunity to discuss and review what we already do in practice, and what we can build into our future practice. TL009 | Workshop 2, Lizzie Greeley Buzzin' about Books A practical, energising workshop packed with simple, doable ideas focused on growing a genuine and inclusive Reading for Pleasure culture across the whole school community. TL010 | Workshop 3, Rachael Blazewicz-Bell and Aisling Walters Supporting student-parents TL011 |
| 12 - 1 pm | Lunch / networking Gather feedback and discussion TL004 | ||
| 1 - 1.45 pm | Workshop 4, Pip Baker Title: From Primary to Secondary: Tackling Teacher Shortfalls Through International Trainee Recruitment. This workshop explores teacher shortages across primary and secondary education and the growing reliance on international trainees within ITT in England. It examines the impact of recruitment shortfalls on schools, highlights the strengths international trainees bring, and addresses key barriers to their success and retention. Participants will leave with practical insights and actions to better support international trainees as a core part of a sustainable teaching workforce. TL009 | Workshop 5, Nicole Lyons and Lisa Floate Gen AI: How to support trainees using AI in schools TL010 | Workshop 6, Sophie Evitts Inclusion in a Special School- How does it work? An overview of how we use research based forensic assessment to provide a holistic overview of complex SEND pupils, to inform individualised approaches in an inclusive community. The What, How and Why of inclusion. TL011 |
| 1.45 - 2 pm | Coffee Break | ||
| 2 - 2.45 pm | Whole group Workshop, Lindsey Poole (Exeter University) Playful Paths to Psychological Safety This workshop explores how playful approaches can create psychologically safe spaces, fostering inclusion, trust, and authentic participation for all. TL004 | ||
| 2.45 - 3.15 pm | Rebekah Gear, Close to Practice TL004 | ||
| 3.15 - 3.30 pm | Thank you and close TL004 | ||
Booking information
This is a free event.
Registration is required for attendance.
Location details
Room/Building:
Address:
College Drive
Clifton
Nottingham
NG11 8NS
Parking:
The satnav postcode for our Clifton Campus is NG11 8NS. There are plenty of parking spaces available on site for all visitors.