Are you looking to attend an Alternative Provision Conference in 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.
April 2025
Conference: Improving Oversight of the Use of Alternative Provision 2025
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Location: Virtual, Online
Organisers: Education Conferences UK
Details: A recent Ofsted thematic review into Alternative Provision (AP) in England revealed a pressing need for change. While many examples of good practice were highlighted, the report also pointed to significant issues such as a lack of national standards, unclear responsibilities for commissioning, and inconsistent oversight. These challenges result in varied and, at times, ineffective practices that fail to ensure all students in AP receive the safe, high-quality education they deserve.
This full-day conference, Improving Oversight of the Use of Alternative Provision, offers school leaders the tools and strategies needed to address these challenges. Featuring expert speakers like Cath Kitchen OBE and Sarah Johnson, the event will cover critical topics such as quality assurance, placement decision-making, and transition planning. Attendees will gain practical insights to improve collaboration, foster parental involvement, and ensure compliance with evolving standards, empowering them to drive meaningful improvements in AP oversight and outcomes.
This event is essential for headteachers, SLT members, and other education professionals responsible for managing and monitoring alternative provision. With sessions focused on Ofsted’s evolving inspection criteria, assessing placement suitability, and monitoring the impact of AP, attendees will leave equipped with actionable steps to enhance their processes and promote excellence in their schools.
Whether you’re looking to refine your quality assurance practices, improve transition planning, or strengthen collaboration with parents and carers, this conference provides a roadmap to optimise AP oversight. Sign up to ensure every child accessing AP is supported to achieve their full potential within a safe, inclusive educational setting.
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: Salford Community Stadium,1 Stadium Way, Barton-upon-Irwell, Salford M30 7EY
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.
Conference: Suspensions and Exclusions Conference 2025
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
Location: Virtual, Online
Organisers: Education Conferences UK
Details: Recent government statistics reveal a troubling rise in school suspensions and exclusions, with persistent disruptive behaviour accounting for 50% of suspensions and 36% of permanent exclusions during the 2023–2024 Autumn Term. This sharp increase underscores the ongoing challenges schools face in managing behaviour, challenges that have been exacerbated by the lasting impact of the pandemic. As noted by Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, the education system is “teetering on the brink of collapse” without urgent intervention to address these issues.
This one-day conference brings together leading experts to explore innovative and effective strategies for reducing suspensions and exclusions. Sessions will focus on early intervention, trauma-informed practices, and creating a robust behaviour curriculum to improve student engagement and behaviour. Attendees will gain actionable insights into developing inclusive approaches that address the root causes of disruptive behaviour while fostering a supportive school culture.
Participants will explore practical methods for identifying students at risk of suspension or exclusion and tailoring targeted support plans to their needs. The conference highlights the importance of equipping staff with the tools to respond effectively to persistent disruptive behaviour, building positive relationships with vulnerable learners, and addressing the impact of early trauma on behaviour.
With expert speakers such as Kelly Hannaghan and John d’Abbro OBE, the event offers a wealth of best practices, from implementing reintegration strategies for returning students to tackling internal truancy. Designed for senior school leaders, behaviour leads, and safeguarding staff, this conference provides the knowledge and resources needed to create equitable, engaging learning environments where every student can thrive.
June 2025
Conference: Alternative Provision Manchester Conference
Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025
Location: Central Manchester (Venue TBA)
Organisers: Westminster Insight
Details: The Alternative Provision Manchester Conference will be held on Wednesday, 11th June 2025. Organised by Westminster Insight, this event will focus on the implications of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill on Alternative Provision (AP). Attendees will gain insights into the future of AP, funding impacts, and strategies for enhancing inclusion. The conference will feature leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners discussing how to leverage funding, ensure continuity, and drive quality across AP settings.
Key topics include the impact of the new bill on AP, funding and commissioning, and the role of AP in fostering inclusion. The event will also address supporting SEND students, managing complex behaviours, and promoting mental health. Attendees will learn from best practice examples and explore personalised approaches to education that support students and their families.
The conference offers a valuable opportunity to network with peers and experts, shaping a brighter future for children and young people in AP. It will be held in Central Manchester, with the exact venue to be announced soon. This full-day event promises to be insightful and informative for education professionals working across alternative provision settings.
