Supporting SENCos in managing access arrangements
The NAEO held its inaugral National SENCo Conferences in London (Wembley Stadium) and Manchester (Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground) in late January/early February
Details of our support for SENCos for the 2026/27 academic year will be announced in April 2026
The NAEO launched two National SENCo Conferences for the 2025/2026 academic year, in London (Wembley Stadium, 27 January) and Manchester (Old Trafford cricket ground, 2 February).
Click here to download the event leaflet
Click here to download the London delegate letter
Click here to download the Manchester delegate letter
The purpose of these conferences was 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’
By staging these conferences, the NAEO helped to define the roles and responsibilities of SENCos and exams officers in relation to the management, administration, conducting and facilitation of access arrangements.
As part of the booking process, we asked delegates to submit a question – if they have one – which was considered for inclusion as part of our panel discussion at the end of the day.
The following stakeholders delivered a keynote speech/presentation/workshop (see below for more information):
- Ofqual
- Joint Council for Qualifications
- JCQ Centre Inspection Service
- Patoss Dyslexia Charity
- Communicate-ed
- The Exams Office
The cost of the conference was £295 and included refreshments/lunch.
There was a discounted rate of £265 for centres which have a membership to The Exams Office.
Attendance at this conference also supported SENCos in meeting JCQ regulations as stated in the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document which require the head of centre to ensure that '...the SENCo...[must] undertake regular CPD such as attending an annual course on these regulations.'
Presentations
The content of the conferences included the following presentations (click the link to download the presentation):
Timings
8.00: Registration and refreshments
9.00: Welcome & introductions
9.15: Meeting the JCQ requirements with regard to adult access arrangements facilitators and invigilators (Communicate-ed, Caroline Read)
10.00: Dealing with parental requests/pressure for access arrangements...in particular, extra time, alternative accommodation and/or separate invigilation (NAEO, Jugjit Chima)
10.45: Break
11.15: Supporting SENCos in Evidencing and Embedding ‘Normal Way of Working’ for Access Arrangements (Patoss Dyslexia Charity, Jan Brook)
12.00: JCQ regulations update (JCQ, Nick Lait)
12.45: Lunch
1.30: JCQ Centre Inspection Service update (JCQ CIS, Lynne Dustan)
2.15: Break
2.30: Keynote (Ofqual)
3.00: Panel discussion (Nick Lait, Lynne Dustan, Caroline Read, Jan Brook + others TBC)
3.30: Prize Draw
3.45: Close
Cost
The cost to attend was £295 per delegate (this included refreshments and lunch) however, this rate was discounted to £265 for delegates from centres which are members of the conference sponsor, The Exams Office.
Additional delegate places were booked at the above rates.
These conferences supported a SENCo's professional development and helped them to meet the requirements as stated in the JCQ regulations.
Additional information
Was lunch and refreshments included?
Yes. A two-course lunch was arranged for all members. A light breakfast was available on arrival before the conference commenced and tea/coffee at the morning and afternoon breaks.
Was there parking at the venue?
Paid parking was available in one of several car parks around Wembley Stadium.
Complimentary parking was available at Old Trafford cricket ground.
Was there an opportunity to network with SENCo colleagues?
Yes, and networking was actively encouraged. Time was allocated prior to the conference start, during breaks and over lunch to allow delegates to network with other colleagues.
Were exhibitors at the event?
Yes. There was a dedicated Exhibitor Zone so that members could meet and chat directly with representatives from the awarding bodies and with other exhibitors who provide appropriate materials to support candidates who have been awarded an access arrangement(s). Details of the exhibitors were included in the delegate letter.
What was the cancellation policy?
See our Booking Terms and Conditions.