About
About Inclusion in Practice
Inclusion in Practice is an initiative which will run alongside the work of the Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion, an independent advisory group providing expert advice to government on how to improve mainstream education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The work is supported by CST, Ambition Institute and a range of leaders across the education system.
About the Expert Advisory Group
The Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion was established to support efforts to improve inclusion in mainstream education. Chaired by Tom Rees, the group brings together education leaders, researchers, and practitioners to provide evidence-informed recommendations on strengthening inclusive practice across schools and trusts.
The group focuses on six key areas:
- Inclusive classroom practice and culture – Ensuring high-quality teaching meets the needs of all learners.
- Partnerships with families – Strengthening collaboration between schools and parents to support inclusion.
- Early identification of SEND – Improving approaches to identifying and assessing needs in mainstream settings.
- Additional support in mainstream schools – Expanding targeted and specialist provision to meet a wider range of needs.
- Workforce capability and expertise – Building capacity within the education workforce to support inclusion.
- Enabling conditions and incentives – Addressing systemic factors, including funding and accountability, that impact inclusion.
Members of the Expert Advisory Group
Tom Rees
CEO, Ormiston Academy Trust (Chair)
Susan Douglas
CEO, Eden Academy Trust
Annamarie Hassall
CEO, National Association for Special Educational Needs
Dr Anne Heavey
Director of Insights for Ambition Institute
Andrew O’Neill
Headteacher at All Saints Catholic College
Claire Jackson
Principal Educational Psychologist at Salford City Council
Heather Sandy
Executive Director of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council
For more details on the Expert Advisory Group’s remit, you can read the full Terms of Reference.
What This Hub Aims to Do
This hub is designed to gather and share practical solutions that are replicable in a range of contexts, providing a space to highlight inclusion in action. The insights generated will serve as a resource to build capability and share what works.
For more details on the Expert Advisory Group’s remit, you can read the full Terms of Reference.
