A RESOUNDING success is how Devon County Council (DCC) described its recent SEND conference in Exeter last week.

Held at Sandy Park and bringing together more than 300 delegates, exhibitors, and speakers, the conference was a day of ‘inspiration, collaboration, and learning’.

‘The record-breaking attendance is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Devon schools to inclusive education and the shared vision of empowering all learners’ a spokesperson for DCC said.

Under the theme ‘Empowering Inclusive Learning Communities’, the conference featured a programme of three keynotes and two interactive workshop sessions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt stories.

Mark Finnis opened the day with a compelling keynote on building a culture of belonging through restorative and relational practice.

Sarah Lord and Kristel Norris introduced the Four Cornerstones Approach, emphasizing genuine partnerships between families, practitioners, and young people.

George King, known as the ‘Shard Climber’, closed the day with a keynote on transforming neurodiversity from hindrance to superpower, sharing his personal journey with ADHD and the strength found in embracing difference.

The workshops offered rich, hands-on learning across five key areas: pupil voice and meaningful participation; emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and the ATTEND Framework; understanding neurodivergence in educational settings; relational approaches to support dysregulation and building relationships through the Four Cornerstones model

‘Throughout the day, the energy was palpable—fuelled by passionate discussions, shared experiences, and a collective drive to make education more inclusive and supportive for every child’ the spokesperson said.

‘As we reflect on another record-breaking year, it’s clear that the SEND Conference continues to grow not just in numbers, but in impact.

‘It is fantastic to see the dedication of Devon’s schools and professionals in creating environments where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued’ the spokesperson added.