Bedford TeachMeet 2026 - SEND Focus
About this Event
Welcome to Bedford TeachMeet 2026!
This year’s theme, "Belonging Matters – Inclusive Practice for SEND Learners "explores how everyday teaching, relationships and environments can support learners with SEND to thrive.
Expect a fast-paced evening of short, engaging presentations from educators and specialists across primary, secondary and post-16 settings, including:
- Behaviour, anxiety and attendance (EBSA)
- Adaptive teaching and inclusive classroom strategies
- Literacy and communication support
- Assistive technology and AI for inclusion
- Psychologically-informed approaches to SEND
Join us for this in-person event, a fantastic chance to network, collaborate, and learn from fellow educators in Bedfordshire and beyond. The event will feature a series of dynamic presentations, interactive activities, and a special networking opportunity through our "TeachEat" segment—where you can relax, socialise, and continue meaningful discussions in a relaxed, informal setting.
Whether you're a seasoned educator, just starting out, or a support staff member, there’s something for everyone at Bedford TeachMeet 2026, Gateway Building (G), University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Ave, Bedford MK41 9EA.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:20 PM
Teach Meet - Arrival, Registration and Refreshments
🕑: 05:20 PM - 05:30 PM
TeachMeet Host Introductions
Host: Laura Fordham
🕑: 05:30 PM - 05:40 PM
Speaker 1: Jayde Edwards, CEO, Founder, Let’s Be Real UK Foundation
Info: Topic: Belonging Beyond Labels: Lived Experience, Voice and Inclusive Practice
🕑: 05:40 PM - 05:50 PM
Speaker 2: Dr Linda Delmar, Educational Psychologist, Bedford Council
Info: Topic: Dynamic Assessment: Focusing on Potential, Not Deficit
🕑: 05:50 PM - 06:00 PM
Speaker 3: Chris Lefcovitch, SEND Strategic Lead, Milton Keynes College
Info: Topic: The Teenage Brain: Understanding Behaviour Through a SEND Lens
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:10 PM
Speaker 4: Gail Maddix, EBSA Lead, Bedford Academy
Info: Topic: Small Steps Back: Supporting EBSA Through Relationships and Gradual Change
🕑: 06:10 PM - 06:20 PM
Speaker 5: Lucy Yule, Autism Spectrum Advisory Teacher, Bedford Council
Info: Behaviour: Is It Always a Choice?
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:30 PM
Comfort Break
🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:40 PM
Speaker 6: Jon Smith, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Scott Primary School
Info: Topic: Whole Class Traffic Light Charts: Help or Harm? — A SEND Perspective
🕑: 06:40 PM - 06:50 PM
Speaker 7: Rebecca Evans, Teacher (QTVI), Bedford Council
Info: Topic: No Access, No Belonging: Inclusive Technology from a QTVI Perspective
🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:00 PM
Speaker 8: Francesca Ferguson Aleman, KS3 Science & STEM Lead, Castle Newnham
Info: Topic: AI for SEND: Removing Barriers, Building Belonging
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:10 PM
Speaker 9: Alexa Hill, Head of English, Wixams Academy
Info: Topic: Unlocking the World of Words: Guided Literacy for SEND Learners
🕑: 07:10 PM - 07:20 PM
Speaker 10: Tara Bishop, SEN Adventurer and Lecturere, Scott Primary School
Info: Topic: SENergetics: Special Educational Needs + Energetics
🕑: 07:20 PM - 07:30 PM
Voting Opens (QR Code on screen)
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
TeachEat Network, Refreshments and Awards Presentations
🕑: 08:00 PM
Event finishes
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
