Supporting SENCos in managing access arrangements

Please note that photographs will be taken at the London conference for promotional purposes 

Delegates will receive a complimentary copy of Assessing the Need for Access Arrangements in Examinations: A Practical Guide 8th edition which is produced by Patoss and retails at £32.50 (+£9.50 postage and packaging) 

 

The inaugural National SENCo Conferences were held in London (Wembley Stadium) and Manchester (Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground) in late January/early February 2026.

Conference content is tailored specifically to meet the needs of SENCos in carrying out their everyday role. The benefits of attendance include:

  • networking opportunities
  • presentations from high quality, experienced speakers
  • informative and interactive workshops
  • practical advice, hints and tips
  • acquiring the latest JCQ/awarding body information and updates to prepare you for the summer exam series and beyond

Conference format and content includes keynote speeches, presentations and workshops from experts in the field of exams administration and management, with a focus on guidance and good practice hints and tips.

Delegates select the workshops they would like to attend via the online booking form. Refreshments, along with a buffet lunch, are provided at each event. Each year, a range of exams-related exhibitors also attend.

 

The purpose of these conferences is to support SENCos in performing their role and to help them to meet the JCQ regulations as stated in the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document which require the head of centre to ensure that:

‘…the SENCo and the centre’s appointed assessor [must] undertake regular CPD such as attending an annual update course on these regulations’

 

The following stakeholders have been confirmed to date to deliver a keynote speech/presentation/workshop (see below for more information):

  • Patoss Dyslexia Charity
  • Communicate-ed
  • AQA
  • National Association of Examinations Officers (NAEO)

The cost of the conference is £295 and includes refreshments/lunch.

There is a discounted rate of £265 for centres which have a membership to The Exams Office.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • TO BE ADDED

Please note: As set out at the time of booking, late cancellations will be subject to an administration fee. At this stage, delegate numbers will have been agreed with the venues and will be chargeable. An invoice will be raised and sent for prompt payment.

National SENCo Conferences 2027

 

Date Location Venue Booking status Delegate letter
21 January 2027 Birmingham The International Convention Centre (ICC), 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EA Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026
27 January 2027 London Wembley Stadium (Bobby Moore & Wembley Suites), Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0WS Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026
1 February 2027 Manchester Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire Cricket Club (The Point & 1864 suites), Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026
4 February 2027 Leeds Aspire, 2 Infirmary Street, Leeds, LS1 2JP Bookings taken from Monday 2 November 2026 Available December 2026

 

You can book your place at one of the conferences listed above from Monday 2 November

 

Booking window

The booking portal for our 2027 conferences will open at 10:00am on Monday 2 November 2026 and will remain open until capacity is reached at each venue.

 

Event format

Indicative timings for each conference are (each workshop lasts for 45 minutes):

  • 8.00 onwards: Registration and refreshments
  • 8.45- Networking session
  • 9.15 – Welcome and introductions
  • 9.30 – Workshop 1
  • 10.30 – Break
  • 11.00 – Workshop 2
  • 12.00 – Workshop 3
  • 1.00 – Lunch
  • 1.45 – Workshop 4
  • 2.45 – Break
  • 3.00 – Keynote speech
  • 3.30 – Close

Keynote speech: Information relating to the keynote speech – the focus and time of session (am or pm) – will be provided nearer the conferences

 

Workshops

Confirmed workshops include:

Patoss Dyslexia Charity

  • Better Assessment, Better Outcomes: Practical Approaches to Effective Access Arrangements

This practical, case-study-based workshop will help SENDCos build confidence in navigating the often-challenging balance between student need, professional judgement and regulatory compliance. Through real-life scenarios, delegates will explore how to gather and interpret evidence, identify and demonstrate normal way of working, and make robust, defensible decisions about access arrangements.

The session will cover common misconceptions, assessment and decision-making processes, effective implementation, and the systems needed to ensure audit-ready practice. Delegates will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately, alongside a clearer understanding of what constitutes strong evidence and compliant practice.

Delegates will gain:

  • Greater confidence in applying JCQ regulations.
  • Practical approaches to evidence gathering and decision-making.
  • Clarity around normal way of working and supporting documentation.
  • Examples of effective systems that improve outcomes while standing up to scrutiny.

 

Communicate-ed

  • Access Arrangements in Action: Practical ideas from colleagues

What does effective access arrangements practice look like in different schools and colleges? In this practical session, we will be sharing ideas and experiences, exploring approaches to evidence gathering, implementing access arrangements and supporting candidates effectively. Our focus will be on the two of the most widely used access arrangements – 25% extra time and supervised rest breaks. Through video interviews and real examples, we’ll hear what centres are doing, what they’ve found works well and the approaches they’ve developed to meet the needs of their candidates. Come ready to hear about others’ experiences, share some of your own and pick up a few tips along the way.

 

AQA
  • Reframing accessibility: How can research inform how exam boards approach access to assessments
A session run by the AQA research team that delves into the concept of accessibility at source in the exams process, ensuring paper design promotes accessibility for all. We will also explore how assessment design interacts with the use of access arrangements.

 

National Association of Examinations Officers

  • Communicating effectively with senior staff, teaching staff, your team and parents

This session explores good practice, practical tips and techniques for communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

You will consider how to develop and refine your communication style to ensure that senior staff, teaching staff, colleagues and parents receive clear, concise and accurate information. The session will focus on communicating key messages effectively to support the achievement of deadlines and ensure compliance with JCQ regulations and awarding body requirements.

 

Will you be sending a delegate letter ahead of my attendance at a conference?

Delegate letters for each conference will be made available on this page via the table above.

An email will be sent to all confirmed delegates before each conference to signpost to the delegate letter, and to provide a final opportunity to cancel your place without incurring a cancellation fee.

 

Will a certificate be issued for this event?

Yes, after all the conferences take place and your attendance on the day is confirmed, your CPD certificate of attendance will be made available to you.

 

What are the terms and conditions for bookings?

Please see our Event Terms and Conditions.