Bedfordshire's first inclusion conference: discussing reducing exclusions and preparing for emerging expectations on SEND and attendance.

About the Event

Inclusion in Action is Bedfordshire's first inclusion conference, bringing together school leaders, inclusion practitioners, safeguarding professionals and local partners to explore how we can reduce exclusions and improve outcomes for children and young people in our county.

Across Bedfordshire, schools are responding to growing challenges around inclusion, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and SEND, while also preparing for the changes set out in the Government's Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper. This event has been designed to provide a space to reflect on those challenges, hear about what is working, and share practical approaches that help keep children engaged in education.

The conference combines local research, national expertise, and lived experience, including findings from the University of Northampton's research into Bedfordshire's Pupil Referral Units and insights from young people who have experienced exclusion themselves.

Most importantly, Inclusion in Action is about solutions. It is an opportunity to come together, learn from one another, strengthen relationships, and consider solutions that create the conditions that allow every child and young person to achieve, thrive, and feel that they belong in Bedfordshire.

About VEPP

The Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP) brings together local authorities, policing, health, fire and rescue services, education providers, voluntary organisations and community partners to prevent violence and exploitation before it happens.

Funded by the Home Office, the VEPP works across Bedfordshire to understand local need, identify gaps in support, and commission early intervention and prevention services that help protect children and young people from harm. Through research, partnership working and targeted investment, VEPP aims to tackle the underlying factors that increase vulnerability while supporting safer, healthier futures for Bedfordshire's communities.

Find out more about our research in collaboration with The Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice (IPSCJ) at the University of Northampton.

Description supplied by the event organiser.