Supporting SENCos in managing access arrangements
The NAEO will be holding its inaugral National SENCo Conferences in London (Wembley Stadium) and Manchester (Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground) in late January/early February
The NAEO has 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 book your place at the London or Manchester conference
Click here to download the event leaflet
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.
The following stakeholders will be delivering 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 is £295 and will include refreshments/lunch.
There is a discounted rate of £265 for centres which have a membership to The Exams Office.
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 will include the following presentations:
Timings (these are indicative timings)
9.00: Welcome & introductions
9.15: Keynote (Ofqual)
9.45: Meeting the JCQ requirements with regard to adult access arrangements facilitators and invigilators (Communicate-ed, Caroline Read)
10.30: Break
11.00: Dealing with parental requests/pressure for access arrangements...in particular, extra time, alternative accommodation and/or separate invigilation (NAEO, Jugjit Chima)
11.45: Supporting SENCos in Evidencing and Embedding ‘Normal Way of Working’ for Access Arrangements (Patoss Dyslexia Charity, Jan Brook)
12.30: Lunch
1.15: JCQ regulations update (JCQ, Nick Lait)
2.00: JCQ Centre Inspection Service update (JCQ CIS, Lynne Dustan)
2.45: Break
3.00: Panel discussion (Nick Lait, Lynne Dustan, Caroline Read, Jan Brook + others TBC)
3.30: Close
Cost
The cost to attend is £295 per delegate (this includes refreshments and lunch) however, this is discounted to £265 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 are now being taken for these National SENCo inaugural events, click SENCo Booking Form to book your place at London or Manchester.
Please send any questions to conference@thenaeo.org should the details on this page, or the booking form, not provide the information you require.
Delegate letter
The delegate letter detailing the agenda, the exhibitors and full details of the day will be available in December 2025.
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 tea/coffee at the morning and afternoon breaks.
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
See our Booking Terms and Conditions.