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Join us for this one-day conference exploring how schools can navigate suspensions and permanent exclusions confidently, lawfully and proportionately, while maintaining safe, calm and supportive learning environments.
With suspension and exclusion rates continuing to be a focus across the sector, schools are looking closely at how to strengthen early intervention, improve consistency in behaviour practice, and ensure that decisions are fair, evidence-informed and clearly documented. Persistent disruptive behaviour remains a common reason for suspension and exclusion, while schools continue to respond to complex needs, safeguarding concerns and the impact of disproportionality across different pupil groups.
This conference will help school leaders and behaviour professionals understand the latest policy and practice developments, including the updated DfE statutory guidance on suspensions, permanent exclusions and pupil movement, which comes into force from July 2026. The programme will explore what the new guidance means for off-site direction, safeguarding-related separation, managed moves, reintegration and governance oversight, alongside wider approaches to behaviour, inclusion and pupil support.
Across the day, expert speakers will share practical strategies for early help, inclusive practice, effective behaviour curriculum design, trauma-informed approaches and targeted support for pupils. Sessions will draw on real-world scenarios and case studies to make the learning practical and relevant to school contexts.
The conference also includes a dedicated opening reflection on staff wellbeing, recognising the importance of supporting staff as part of a sustainable whole-school approach to behaviour. Delegates will leave with practical ideas to review current practice, strengthen decision-making, support pupils and staff, and ensure suspensions and exclusions are used appropriately within a clear, consistent and legally robust framework.
Who should attend?
Headteachers, Deputy and Assistant Heads, Behaviour Leads, DSLs and other members of the SLT.
This conference will enable you to:
Explore strategies to support staff wellbeing and build resilience in the face of persistent behavioural challenges
Come away with strategies for implementing early help for students vulnerable to suspensions and exclusions
Identify practical steps to use inclusion practices to reduce school exclusions
Understand the disproportionate rates of suspension and exclusion across pupil groups and explore practical strategies to address them
Understand the latest DfE guidance on suspensions, permanent exclusions and pupil movement, including implications for off-site direction, safeguarding-related separation, managed moves and reintegration
Identify key indicators for students at risk of exclusion or suspension and learn how to tailor support plans to their specific needs
Explore effective strategies for engaging vulnerable learners, including those who are looked after or disengaging from education, emphasising the role of the designated teacher
Understand the root causes of persistent disruptive behaviour and how to move beyond surface-level responses
Navigate the debate between sanctions-based and relational approaches to behaviour management
Learn about the effects of early trauma on behaviour and the likelihood of suspension or exclusion, with strategies for building supportive relationships
Discover methods to support children in managing their trauma effectively, thereby reducing disruptive outcomes
Learn techniques to ensure the foundational aspects of your school’s behaviour curriculum are effectively established to support a positive learning environment
Grasp the essentials of a whole-school approach to behavioural issues, promoting a consistent and supportive environment
Discover what constitutes an effective reintegration strategy for students returning from suspensions
Learn to coordinate reintegration efforts among school staff, students, parents, and external parties to maximise effectiveness
