This online course equips senior leaders with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to lead inclusively, ensuring equity and belonging for all students and staff.

Aligned with national policy and statutory guidance, it focuses on practical approaches to fostering inclusive environments, diverse leadership, and equitable outcomes.

This course is designed for senior school leaders, including headteachers, deputies, trust leaders, SENDCOs, and governors- who shape whole-school strategy, staff development, and inclusive culture. It's ideal for those responsible for ensuring equity, meeting national policy, and leading meaningful change.

Course Outline

This dynamic and practical workshop is designed to empower school leaders in the UK to create learning environments where all students and staff can thrive. Grounded in national guidance such as the Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice, and the Public Sector Equality Duty, the session explores the moral, legal, and strategic imperative of inclusion.

Delegates will engage with real-world scenarios, reflective activities, and collaborative discussions that centre on equity for marginalised groups, including students with SEND, neurodiverse learners, pupils from ethnic minorities, disadvantaged backgrounds, and underrepresented staff.

Throughout the session, participants will develop a deep understanding of the characteristics of inclusive leadership and practical steps to embed inclusive practices in recruitment, curriculum design, staff development, and community engagement.

We’ll explore the creation of accessible, culturally responsive environments and discuss strategies for reducing bias and structural barriers.

This workshop is a must for leaders committed to ensuring their school meets the expectations of Ofsted's framework, delivers on statutory duties, and, most importantly, champions fairness and belonging at every level of school life.

Participants will leave with a toolkit of actionable insights and a personal action plan aligned with their school's vision for inclusion.

Course Outcomes

1. Understand the principles of inclusive leadership and how they apply to whole-school strategy, culture, and day-to-day decision-making.
2. Identify and challenge barriers to inclusion affecting pupils and staff, particularly those from SEND, neurodiverse, ethnic minority, female, and disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. Interpret and apply key legislation and national guidance such as the Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice, and Public Sector Equality Duty.
4. Evaluate the inclusivity of current school policies and practices, including recruitment, curriculum design, staff development, and parental engagement.
5. Develop practical strategies to create an inclusive school environment that promotes equity, representation, and psychological safety for all.
6. Produce a personalised leadership action plan to implement inclusive practices and track progress within their school setting

Course Outline

4.00pm Welcome, Objectives & Setting the Context

• Welcome from facilitator
• Workshop aims and outcomes
• Why inclusive leadership matters now
• Links to national policy: Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice, Ofsted EIF

4.45pm Deep Dive: Inclusive Practice in Schools

• Understanding barriers faced by pupils and staff
• Embedding equity into curriculum, policies, and leadership behaviours
• Activity: School audit on inclusion (current strengths & areas for development)

5.30pm Comfort Break and Virtual Networking

5.45pm Practical Strategies & Action Planning

• Inclusive recruitment and staff development
• Supporting neurodiverse, SEND, and disadvantaged learners
• Community engagement and inclusive communication
• Guided session: Developing a personal action plan

6.20pm Plenary & final Q&A

• Recap of key learning points
• Open Q&A and group reflections
• Sharing next steps and available resources

6.30pm Close of day

• Thank you and post-event feedback and resource links

Presenter Profile

Marc Cooper has a background in educational leadership, school improvement, professional development and academic research. He has held senior positions in a number of educational institutions, ranging from schools, MATs and universities.

Marc was the Research and Development Lead for the largest MAT in Cornwall (CELT) and currently works with the EEF & Research schools as a Regional Implementation lead. He is also an associate fellow at the International Centre for Education Enhancement, at the University of Bolton, leading and collaborating on their international Laboratory Schools programme.

Cost: £150 per delegate; £50 each for subsequent delegates from same school

Booking Form

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