Twilight Talk - Making Every Connection Count: Improving Outcomes for Service Children with SEND
- Online
- 18 Nov 2026 (16:00 - 17:00)
This session explores the development and impact of the Garrison Action Project (GAP), a collaborative initiative designed to improve outcomes for service children with SEND across schools in Catterick Garrison. Participants will gain an understanding of the unique challenges faced by children from military families, including the impact of mobility, deployment, transition and separation on learning, social and emotional wellbeing, and communication and language development. The training will examine the interconnected nature of children’s needs and the growing complexity of SEND identified across the locality. Drawing on experiences from schools serving a predominantly military community, the session will consider the changing profile of need, the support available to families, and the provision that existed prior to the project. It will also explore how schools worked together to strengthen SEND leadership through SENCO development, specialist training, Educational Psychologist support, enhanced parental engagement, and closer collaboration between Headteachers and SENCOs.
The session will showcase the practical outcomes of the project and the ways in which collaboration has transformed SEND provision across the garrison. Delegates will learn how schools developed more consistent approaches to identifying and supporting need, strengthened partnerships with parents through initiatives such as a Parent Charter and information resources, and increased capacity within school teams to meet the needs of children with SEND. The training will also highlight the next stage of this work, including the development of The Willow, a specialist nurture and assessment provision for service pupils with social, emotional, mental health and communication needs, and the continuing commitment to locality-wide collaboration. Participants will leave with insights into how a shared strategic approach can build inclusive practice, strengthen early intervention, and improve outcomes for children with SEND in highly mobile communities.
Online
Suitable for: Deputy Head Teacher, Early Years Practitioner, SENCO, Student, Support staff, Teacher, Young person, Head Teacher, Teaching Assistant, A parent/carer, Assistant Head Teacher, Consultant, Governor, Inclusion Manager/Leader, Newly Qualified Teacher, Senior Leader, Tutor
Meet your trainer
Louise Newport
Louise Newport is the Headteacher of Carnagill Primary School in Catterick Garrison and has served in headship for 14 years, including the last eight years leading the school within its unique military community. She is passionate about inclusion and is committed to ensuring that every child, particularly those experiencing mobility and transition, feels supported, valued and able to thrive. Louise believes that strong relationships are at the heart of successful schools and works to create a nurturing environment where children, families and staff feel connected, respected and inspired to achieve their best.
Meet your trainer
Rebecca Wigham
Rebecca Wigham is an experienced primary school teacher with over 20 years of service in schools within the Catterick Garrison community. Since becoming SENDCo in 2018, she has played a key role in supporting and championing inclusive practice, ensuring that pupils receive the support they need to thrive. Through her involvement in the Garrison Assist Project, Rebecca has helped shape and embed a positive, nurturing and inclusive school environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
Meet your trainer
Stacey Burke
Stacey Burke is the SENDCo at Risedale Secondary School in Catterick Garrison, where she is passionate about creating an inclusive environment in which every young person feels valued, supported and able to achieve their potential. Working within a highly mobile military community, Stacey understands the challenges that frequent transitions can bring and is committed to ensuring continuity of support for pupils and their families. She works closely with local partners and services to help families navigate the SEND system, advocating for individual needs and fostering positive outcomes for young people across the community.
You may also be interested in...
Twilight Talk: Supporting Learning Through Vision
This session will explore how equitable eye care can be delivered effectively within special schools and colleges, and why vision is a critical but often overlooked factor in learning, behaviour and engagement for children and young people with SEND.
Twilight Talk: The role of attachment and trauma in education for those with SEND
The Twilight Talk will explore the role of attachment in education and how secure relationships can support regulation, engagement and learning.
Twilight Talk: Spotting Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia and Maths Difficulties
This talk explores how to identify the key indicators of dyscalculia and outlines the assessment process. It emphasises the importance of assessment for teaching intervention, highlighting that understanding how a learner approaches maths is important.