DBE Senior Leaders’ Conference: Thursday 19th November 2026
Belonging for All: Championing Inclusion &
SEND in Church Schools
Thursday 19 November | Daresbury Park Hotel, Daresbury
Join us on a thoughtful journey to deepen inclusion and SEND provision within Church Schools. Engaging keynote speakers and workshops will help you discover effective ways to nurture belonging for every child. This conference supports schools leaders in fostering inclusive communities grounded in dignity and respect.
Introducing our Keynote Speakers:
Andrew Warren
Andrew retired as Regional Director for the West Midlands in the Department for Education last year, having oversight of nearly 2,400 schools across fourteen local authorities and several dioceses. His brief included responsibility for Children’s Social Care, SEND and Priority Education Investment Areas.
He currently chairs an Academy Trust and is trustee on the board of Speech and Language UK and the National Autistic Society.
Mark Arnold
Mark is the Additional Needs Ministry Director at leading national Christian children’s and youth organisation Urban Saints and Co-Founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, a vibrant and online community. He is a national and international advocate and ally for children and young people with additional needs. Mark blogs as the national award winning ‘The Additional Needs Blogfather’, and is father to James who is Autistic and also has Learning Difficulties, Epilepsy, and Social Anxiety.
Mark blogs as the national award winning ‘The Additional Needs Blogfather’, and is father to James who is Autistic and also has Learning Difficulties, Epilepsy, and Social Anxiety.
We are also warmly welcome The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley and Hana Amner, School Chaplain at The Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High School’s Hana Amner.
The afternoon will include two practical workshops: Guidance on Creating Inclusive Collective Worship delivered by Mark Arnold and SEND Panel giving positive and transformational impact hosted by some of our church school leaders.
Venue: Daresbury Park Hotel, WA4 4GE
Date: Thursday 19 November, 2026
Time: 8:45am to 3:45pm
Conference and Webinar Package
There is the option to book the conference only or to book the Conference and Webinar package, which includes conference booking plus two 1-hour post-conference webinars to further support you. Scheduled to be held as twilight webinars in January and March.
Investment:
Conference & Webinar Package: Family of Schools members will benefit from combined discount price of £150 for the 1st ticket and £100 for 2nd and third tickets. Includes 2 post-conference webinars.
Conference only: Family of Schools members rate is £125. Non-Family of Schools rate £250.
Webinars: Twilight webinars will be held in January and March and can be booked separately.
Includes a delicious hot buffet and refreshments throughout the day.
Need more information? Contact susan.kemp@chester.anglican.org.