Supporting SENCos in managing access arrangements within their centre
The NAEO will be holding its inaugral National SENCo Conferences in London (Wembley Stadium) and Manchester (Old Trafford cricket ground) in late January/early February
The NAEO is proposing the launch of two National SENCo Conferences for the 2025/2026 academic year, in London (Wembley Stadium, 27 or 30 January) and Manchester (Old Trafford cricket club, 2 February).
The purpose of these conferences is 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 will also be helping 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 will be asking delegates to submit a question – if they have one – which will be considered for inclusion as part of our panel discussion at the end of the day.
Invitations have been sent to all the key stakeholders to enquire about their availability to attend and support the conferences as an exhibitor or to deliver a presentation. These stakeholders include the DfE, Ofqual, JCQ, JCQ Centre Inspection Service, and the major JCQ awarding bodies.
The cost of the conference will be in the region of £275-£295 and will include refreshments, lunch, etc.
Attendance at this conference will also support 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 is still to be finalised, but will include presentations on areas such as:
- JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments regulation changes for 2025/26
- JCQ Access Arrangements inspections
- Dealing with parental requests/pressure for access arrangements...in particular, extra time, alternative accommodation and/or separate invigilation
- Effectively managing centre delegated access arrangements...in particular supervised rest breaks and the use of word processors in the examination room
- What is 'normal way of working'?
- The SENCo role in recording evidence (e.g. Forms 8 and 9, and cover sheets)
- Training your facilitators - what needs to be covered
Timings (these are indicative timings)
8.00 onwards: Registration and refreshments
9.00: Welcome & introductions
9.15: Presentation 1
10.00: Break
10.30: Presentation 2
11.15: Presentation 3
12.00: Lunch
12.45: Presentation 4
1.30: Presentation 5
2.15: Break
2.30: Presentation 6
3.15: Panel discussion
3.45: Close
Cost
The cost to attend is £295 plus VAT per delegate (this includes refreshments and lunch) however, this is discounted to £275 plus VAT for delegates from centres which are members of the conference sponsor, The Exams Office.
Additional delegate places can be booked at the above rates.
These conferences will support a SENCo's professional development and help them to meet the requirements as stated in the JCQ regulations.
Booking form
Bookings will be taken from late September/early October 2025 via a booking form accessed from this page. Please send any questions to conference@thenaeo.org should the details on this page, or the booking form, not provide the information you require.
Additional information
Are lunch and refreshments included?
Yes. A two-course lunch has been arranged for all members. A light breakfast will also be available on arrival before the conference commences and a sweet treat at the morning break and during lunch. All will be served with a choice of hot drinks and/or juice. Water will be available throughout the day.
Will there be parking at the venue?
Paid parking is available in one of several car parks around Wembley Stadium.
Complimentary parking is available at Old Trafford cricket ground.
Will there be an opportunity to network with SENCo colleagues?
Yes, and networking is encouraged. Time has been allocated prior to the conference start, during breaks and over lunch to allow you to network with other colleagues.
Will there be exhibitors at the event?
Yes. There will be a dedicated Exhibitor Zone so that members can 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 will be published ahead of the conference and added to the delegate letter.