A recent Evidence for Learning (EfL) LearningShared Regional Conference brought together school leaders, teachers, and education professionals from across the country to explore some of the most pressing questions in specialist education today. This was more than just a day of professional development — it was a space for honest reflection, connection, and the sharing of innovative practice.
Evidencing ambition in a complex landscape
Throughout the day, powerful insights emerged as attendees discussed the challenges they face, particularly around curriculum implementation, accountability, and staff wellbeing. One key question that resonated was: “How can we be ambitious, and evidencing being ambitious for our learners?” Many leaders and teachers noted the constant juggling act required in today’s educational landscape.
“I’m always balancing. Funding. Accountability. Government changes. We have so much to navigate.”
Others highlighted the ongoing challenges in staff recruitment and retention within SEND, with one participant emphasising the ongoing crisis:
“Mass teacher shortage and teachers leaving the profession.”
This concern was further echoed by another leader who stated:
“My staff are struggling. 78% of all teaching staff are feeling stressed.”
The overarching question wasn’t whether schools can be ambitious for SEND learners, but rather how they can be — and how they can prove it.
Building connection and community
One theme that emerged clearly was the importance of connection and community. In a system where teachers and leaders often feel isolated, having a professional network to turn to makes a significant difference. As one leader shared:
“EfL and LearningShared events have been critical for me to access a network of experienced professionals who share principles, share philosophy, share common aims.”
This focus on shared learning enabled staff to collaborate beyond their own classrooms or settings, building a broader sense of understanding, purpose, and belonging. Another leader highlighted:
“EfL and LearningShared events help us strive to develop and become inventive and creative teachers.”
Impact and implementation
Inspection and accountability were frequent topics during the event. While no school can ignore Ofsted, many leaders expressed a desire to stay grounded in what really matters. One leader noted:
“While Ofsted demonstrates impact, I’m ultimately accountable to my children and parents.”
EfL’s LearningShared platform offers ways to evidence impact meaningfully, not just for inspection, but for reflection and improvement. One school shared how using EfL had benefitted them during a recent Ofsted visit:
“EfL allowed us to show the impact and be live in the moment during an Ofsted inspection. It made a huge difference and we were graded Outstanding because it contributed to how we could show and evidence that holistic development.”
The focus was on authenticity — demonstrating real progress in ways that reflect the school’s values and the lived experiences of learners. Another key theme discussed was the challenge of implementation. Changing practice takes time, which is most often something that schools lack. One leader expressed the challenge:
“I just don’t have the time to make a change and get it right. It’s hard to pause what we’re already doing.”
Rethinking success
Across the sessions, attendees explored the question: What does ambition mean for our learners? Rather than defaulting to traditional metrics, many discussions centred on broader definitions of success — focusing on student wellbeing, holistic development, and preparation for life beyond school. As one leader put it:
“We want every young person to have the chance to live a life that feels good and means something to them.”
Another shared:
“We can actually follow each learner’s journey – and really see those ‘wow’ moments when they happen. Success should feel like a journey that’s rich, challenging, and worth remembering.”
There was a shared belief that ambition isn’t just about school results but about creating conditions in which all children can thrive. One leader posed the critical question:
“Why are we doing this? Is it actually helping our children in the real world?”
Another reinforced the idea of preparing children for life beyond school:
“It’s about building pathways that go well beyond the school gates.”
And, finally, the aim is to ensure that children are ready, not just for exams, but for the world they’re stepping into.
Closing reflections
The LearningShared SEND Regional Conference was more than just professional development; it was a chance to build a strong community among educators. By bringing teachers and leaders together, it encouraged the exchange of ideas and best practices, strengthening the network that drives growth and innovation in schools. In a time when educators often feel isolated, events like this are key to creating connection and shared purpose.
Interested in joining the community of educators and leaders at an Evidence for Learning event?
