SEND Conference 2026

Canford recently held its second annual Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Learning Conference to share good practice and promote learning opportunities to support high ability pupils with SEND.  

Over 130 staff from independent, state and specialist schools attended to focus on topics including emotional-based school avoidance, ADHD assessment, signs and symptoms of neurodiversity and the impact of positive childhood experiences on long-term health. 

The conference explored practical ways to provide both 'challenging' and 'accessible' learning opportunities for high ability pupils with SEND, with additional focus on the importance of promoting positive childhood experiences in an educational environment.  

Canford has a well-established Support for Learning Department, providing bespoke learning interventions to ensure pupils with SEND can reach their full potential and flourish. Dedicated Pupil Leader at the school helps this become a reality and ensure that pupil voice is an integral part of the support offered. 

Andrew Farbridge, SENDCO and Head of Support for Learning at Canford, said; 

Understanding different types of special educational needs and disabilities and how they impact on teaching and learning forms an essential part of modern education. Our focus for the conference was very much to explore practical ways to provide both 'challenging' and 'accessible' learning opportunities for all pupils and especially those identified with SEND.

Providing excellent opportunities for networking, the conference was a mix of presentations and interactive workshops to encourage engagement and open, honest discussion.   

Feedback from delegates was positive: 

“Thanks for a very informative day. I came away with new ideas, feeling positive about how to support my pupils better.” 

“This was my first time visiting Canford. The day was extremely well organsied and the CPD was very helpful and insightful. The Canford staff were incredibly friendly and approachable,  incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming.” 

“Thank you hugely for a superb day at Canford yesterday. It was lovely to come to your school and we had a thoroughly good day, so much useful information and good ideas to implement. Thank you to your whole team, a huge success!” 

“A brilliant day from start to finish - thank you.” 

Canford's ISI Inspection took place in November 2025, making specific reference to the quality of SEND provision at Canford School: 

“Provision for pupils who have SEND is robust. Leaders oversee how pupils are identified, monitored and supported.  Pupils who have SEND have their needs identified early and are directly involved in creating personalised pupil passports to support their learning. Key information is shared effectively with teachers who take these needs into account. Pupils who have SEND have access to specialist sessions with subject clinics to help them with their learning.  Teaching is matched to their needs and enables pupils who have SEND to make good progress.”  

To find out more or register interest for future Canford SEND Learning Conferences. Please contact:

 events@canford.com  

Learn more about academic learning at Canford, please visit:

Canford Academic learning