EvidenceforLearning

Thank you to everyone who joined the Evidence for Learning online event on the Schools White Paper and SEND Reforms on Tuesday 10th March 2026.

More than 740 school, trust, college and system leaders and practitioners registered to share reflections and discuss the recently published Schools White Paper and the proposed SEND reforms.

The session brought together colleagues from across the sector, including panellists who have been working directly with ministers and the Department for Education to help shape and influence the paper and the reforms, as well as school and trust leaders reflecting on how the paper and reforms might translate into practice.

The conversation explored both the policy perspective and how the
proposals could translate into provision and practice in schools and trusts, a leaders begin to consider the next steps.

If you weren’t able to join us, we're delighted to share the recording and reflections from the event with you here:

👉 https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/efl-schools-white-paper-virtual-meeting-recording-and-next-steps/

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to such an important and thoughtful discussion.

EfL Schools White Paper Virtual Meeting - Recording, reflections and next steps - Evidence for Learning Thank you to everyone who joined the Evidence for Learning online event on the Schools White Paper and SEND Reforms on Tuesday 10th March 2026.

Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation

The Schools White Paper and SEND Reform consultation signal some of the most significant changes to the education system and policy in a generation.

At Evidence for Learning, we’re sharing an initial perspective from James Waller, EfL Advisory Board member, Headteacher of Sunningdale School, and Chair of EQUALS.

James was invited to a roundtable discussion at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Keir Starmer, to discuss the reforms directly. This blog captures James' initial reflections following those conversations and the formal launch of the White Paper on the 23rd.

Drawing on his deep and extensive experience, James shares what these changes could mean for schools in particular. He reflects on the potential for clearer expectations for EHCP delivery, the introduction of National Inclusion Standards, and the growing need for stronger collaboration between mainstream and specialist provision, including what that looks like in practice.

👉 Read the full blog here:
https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/send-white-paper-2026-2/

Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation - Evidence for Learning An initial view written by James Waller, EfL Advisory Board member; Headteacher of Sunningdale School; and Chair of EQUALS on the Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation

Preparing for life beyond the classroom: learning that supports aspiration at Hawthorns School

At Hawthorns School, aspiration starts with purpose.

Jonathan Curtis, Rachel Kay and colleagues reflect on how a strengths-based approach, everyday independence and meaningful real-world experiences are woven into learning across the school.

This blog explores how clarity around curriculum, context and partnership with families helps children with SEND build skills and confidence that transfer beyond the classroom and into life outside the school gates.

👉 Read the Hawthorns School story: https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/a-clear-purposeful-curriculum/

Preparing for life: How Hawthorns School is supporting learners to achieve aspirational outcomes beyond the school gates - Evidence for Learning Be inspired by how Hawthorns School have adopted a clear, purposeful curriculum with strong family partnerships to support children with SEND.

Rethinking ambition: how St Giles School defines progress that truly matters

At St Giles School in Retford ambition isn’t measured on spreadsheets and paperwork alone. It’s shaped by clear pathways, personal learning goals and strong partnerships with families.

In this blog, Matt Rooney and Sarah Taylor share how they’ve built a curriculum that supports pupils to succeed now, while also preparing them for life beyond school. Progress is seen in communication, independence, confidence and belonging and captured in ways that reflect what genuinely matters to pupils and their families.

👉 Read the St Giles School story: https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/personal-learning-goals/

Ambition and aspiration for all - an insight into St Giles School, Retford - Evidence for Learning How St Giles School uses purposeful curriculum pathways, personal learning goals and family partnership through Evidence for Learning to capture holistic progress.

As the term comes to an end and the winter festive break is in sight, we'd like to share a fantastic opportunity for networking and professional development that you might want to put in your calendar for the new year.

On the 30th of January, we’re hosting a free “Leading SEND & Inclusion in Mainstream” conference, bringing together school, trust and system leaders and practitioners to reflect on what’s changing, and what really matters in SEND and Inclusion.

We're looking forward to a day focused on collaboration, shared thinking and rich, practical insights, shaped by recent and imminent developments including changes to Ofsted and accountability; Curriculum and Assessment Review; an Enrichment Framework and a White paper from DfE...Coming together to discuss, share and explore approaches to an increasingly challenging and changing landscape and what’s ahead for 2026.

More details and to book your place: https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/sendinmainstream/



👍 Please share with any colleagues...

SEND in Mainstream event - Evidence for Learning Leading SEND & Inclusion in a mainstream setting Conferences A unique networking and collaborative learning and development opportunity… These events are an opportunity for leaders at schools, colleges and settings across the country to come together for a day of sharing and development. Our day i...

*** FREE WEBINAR ***

How to Talk to Children and Young People About War | Understanding and Supporting our Refugee Children
A Free Webinar led by Dr Tina Rae (Child Psychologist and Award Winning Author)

Date: Mon 4th April 2022

Time: 4pm

Duration: 1.5 hrs

At this current time, we are all hugely distressed by the images of the war in Ukraine and particularly of the children and their families fleeing the bombardment and seeking refuge and escape from the horror and trauma of war.

Many in our schools are getting ready to welcome in these children and young people and considering ways in which they can best support this transition and nurture their families within our communities.

In this webinar Tina will guide us through practical ways in which we can ensure that our schools are places of sanctuary, providing the nurture and trauma informed care that our children and young people so need at this current time.

She will highlight specific strategies that you can use to support our refugee children as they transition, to ensure that they feel safe and welcomed. There are a number of evidence-based strategies that can easily be adopted and shared. She will also highlight ways in which we can prepare the children who are in our school communities to welcome their refugee friends, and also identify the best and safest ways to discuss the war with our children and young people.

Tina will discuss the following:

- How to talk to children and young people about war
- How we recognise trauma -related behaviours make use of ‘watchful waiting’ to identify vulnerability factors
- The need to recognise that all refugee children are different, many will be resilient and not require a bespoke therapeutic intervention – (this may be needed later)
- The importance of treating every child individually and listening to their voice - as one refugee child said ‘I wish they’d asked me about the football team I supported rather than my journey to this country. It just re-traumatised me.’
- How we build and reinforce resilience factors recognise the strengths of individual children and young people
- Using writing, physical, and calming approaches
- How we create safe spaces and make use of anxiety reducing easy wins
- How we ensure schools as sanctuaries in which we build connection, safety, and opportunities for regulation.

It is hoped that this webinar will demystify some of the concerns that people may have and provide you with confidence and reassurance you need to undertake this task effectively.

Tina will emphasise how we are already doing a great deal in terms of implementing trauma informed approaches and there will be opportunities to think about how we can build upon these to further enhance our provisions.

There will also be an opportunity to discuss the presentation and a Q&A session for delegates to participate in.

Register to attend and access / download some free resources (produced by Tina) for your school / classroom:

https://www.evidenceforlearning.net/dr_tina_rae_children_war_refugees/