Are you looking to attend an Alternative Provision Conference in 2024/2025?
You will find an aggregate list of conferences that might fit your needs here!
This list will be updated periodically as more conferences are announced.
Is your conference not listed here? Let us know and we’ll get you added.
November 2024
Conference: Improving Oversight of the Use of Alternative Provision 2024 (Virtual)
Date: Tuesday 26th November 2024
Location: Virtual, Online
Organisers: Education Conferences UK
Details: In February 2024, Ofsted published a thematic review into Alternative Provision (AP) in local areas across England. While the review acknowledges many examples of good practice, it also highlights the need for improvement to ensure better oversight and more consistent practices. Local areas are already being inspected on their approach to AP through joint area inspections.
Conference: Alternative Provision Conference (London)
Date: Wednesday 27th November 2024
Location: American Square Conference Centre, 17 Crosswall, London EC3N 2LB
Organisers: Westminster Insight
Details: Westminster Insight’s 3rd Annual Alternative Provision (AP) Conference will bring together over 100 schools, pupil referral units, local authorities, and AP providers in London on 27th November 2024. The event will focus on delivering high-quality AP across England, offering practical insights from leading AP practitioners. Attendees will explore key strategies for targeted early intervention, intensive support for young people, and ensuring sustainable transitions back to mainstream education or post-16 destinations. The conference will also address new AP policy under the incoming government, along with priorities for funding and strategy development.
With 64% of pupils in AP having social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs compared to just 2% in mainstream education, the conference will highlight best practices for identifying and supporting these learners. Delegates will learn how to improve educational outcomes, overcome barriers, and develop evidence-based approaches for supporting pupils. Key topics will include multi-agency collaboration, effective AP commissioning, and preparing students for post-16 transitions. The event will also focus on building positive relationships with parents, carers, and young people to ensure a more inclusive and supportive AP environment.
January 2025
Conference: Alternative Provision Conference (Newcastle)
Date: Thursday 30th January 2025
Location: Central Newcastle-Upon-Thyme (Venue TBA)
Organisers: Westminster Insight
Details: The upcoming conference in Newcastle will focus on the future of Alternative Provision (AP) and strategies to enhance AP services and placements across the North East. The event will bring together a range of stakeholders, including mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), AP providers, and local authorities, to discuss key issues and share best practices in the field. Attendees will explore early intervention strategies in mainstream schools to reduce exclusions, short-term intensive placements, and effective transitions for students back into mainstream education or post-16 destinations.
The conference will feature insights from leading practitioners, the Department for Education, and AP experts, offering practical solutions to improve AP settings. Key topics will include building multi-agency partnerships, implementing a comprehensive curriculum, and addressing barriers to positive outcomes for pupils in AP. There will be a focus on innovative assessment processes, strategies to reduce exclusion rates, and preparing pupils for successful transitions. The event will also tackle financial challenges and explore the use of online alternative provision to meet the complex needs of students.
March 2025
Conference: National SEND and Inclusion Conference 2025
Date: Wednesday 12th March 2025
Location: Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood NG16 3SS
Organisers: TEAM Education Trust
Details: HFL’s 2025 SEND conference will return to an in-person format, focusing on current SEND issues and exploring how to provide effective, inclusive SEN support by balancing practical methods with passion. The conference aims to help all SEND learners thrive.
The event will feature keynote speakers and practical sessions, assisting SENCOs and senior leaders in delivering timely, high-quality support for SEND learners and addressing the challenges in the DfE’s SEND and AP Improvement Plan – Right Support, Right Place, Right Time.
Attendees will have the chance to hear national speakers present current research and innovative ideas, explore issues in depth during sessions, and reflect, reconsider, and revitalise their practices.
May 2025
Conference: The National Network of Special Schools (NNoSS) Conference 2025
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
Location: St Andrew’s @ Knightshead Park Football Stadium, Catell Rd, Birmingham B9 4RL
Organisers: Schools North East
Details: The National Network of Special Schools (NNoSS) annual conference is uniquely designed for School Business Professionals in special and hospital schools, as well as alternative provision settings. It gathers colleagues from across the country involved in the business management of specialist schools, offering an unparalleled opportunity for inspiration, best practice sharing, and networking.
Attendees will benefit from motivational speakers, expert-led sessions, and practical workshops tailored to the unique challenges of these educational environments. The conference features a mix of keynote speeches and practical sessions, keeping participants informed about the latest policies, practices, and procedures. It also provides a prime opportunity to network with fellow professionals and engage with leading provider organisations at the exhibition.
Previous conferences have featured notable speakers such as Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, David Withey, Tom Goldman, Professor Steve Peters, Carrie Grant MBE, Leora Cruddas, and Tom Rees.
Conference: The Northern Special Educational Needs and Disability Conference 2025
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
Location: Manchester (Venue TBA)
Organisers: Institute of Government & Public Policy (IGPP)
Details: As of January 2024, around 1.7 million pupils in England have been identified with special educational needs (SEN), representing 18% of the school population. Of these, 1.2 million receive SEN support, and approximately 400,000 have Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. Special educational needs (SEN) schools in the UK are grappling with issues such as overcrowding, over-enrolment, and funding shortages. In response, the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan proposes future reforms, including a unified system for SEND and alternative provision, based on national standards and local partnerships.
The Northern Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Conference 2025 will focus on strategies to address these challenges, exploring the latest policies and practical methods to meet SEND Code of Practice standards. Key topics will include improving educational outcomes for children with SEND, maximising funding, and supporting families through more inclusive decision-making processes. Delegates will also discuss the vital role of SENCOs and SEND leaders, as well as the importance of multi-agency working and digital developments in delivering enhanced support for pupils with SEND.
