City set to host landmark education inclusion conference

Thousands of representatives from Derby’s education community are set to descend on Vaillant Live next month for a major conference promoting inclusion in education.

Organised by the Derby City Inclusion Partnership, made up of Derby City Council, Derby County Community Trust, Derby College Group, the University of Derby, school leaders and other education partners, Inclusion INSET Day aims to unite the city’s education community.

Around 2,600 staff from 79 schools – including school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, SENCos and support staff – are expected to attend the event on Friday 27 November, which is backed by headline sponsor L.E.A.D. IT Services.

It aims to unite staff around one shared ambition: for every child and young person to feel welcomed, valued and supported, and to belong and thrive.

Sharon Buckby, director of learning, inclusion and skills at Derby City Council, said: “Bringing so many colleagues together in one place sends a powerful message about Derby’s shared commitment to inclusion.

“We want every child and young person to feel that they belong. This day is about turning that ambition into the small, practical things we can all do, every day, in every school.”

The day’s theme ‘Inclusion: Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere’ aims to put practical inclusion at the centre of the programme.

A shared morning session will combine keynote contributions, learning, celebration and reflection, before afternoon sessions allow colleagues to explore inclusive relationships, environments and everyday actions in greater depth.

Keynote speakers will include author and speaker Richard Gerver, Mark Finnis of L30 Relational Systems, Stephanie Davies of Laughology and representatives from the Department for Education.

Jo Wilkinson and Phil Smith from Derby City Inclusion Partnership will add local insight, combining national perspectives with practical experience from across Derby.

The day will also offer an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of Derby schools and strengthen connections across the city’s education community.

The event builds on a significant city-wide commitment.  All 106 Derby schools have signed the Derby City Inclusion Charter, whose 10 principles support schools to develop inclusive relationships, cultures and provision.

To find out more about the event and the Derby City Inclusion Partnership, click here.