Equals – Full Day Conference
14-25 Education

What does Independence mean for young people
with PMLD, SLD and MLD?

Practical Solutions and Possibilities
Friday 4th October 2024, NCVO in Central London
– 9:30 am – 4pm

To reserve a place, please email admin@equalsoffice.co.uk

Chris Rollings Chair of Equals.

Keynote Speaker – Ellen Atkinson (Regional Adviser for the NDTi on Preparing for Adulthood)
Exploring the Valuing Employment Now (VEN) project to improve employment prospects and outcomes for people with learning disabilities in England.

Pete Wells (Curriculum Manager – Catcote School, Hartlepool Aspire Trust).
The promotion of independent skills through the use of sensory/inclusive stories. As we all know, the fundamental rationale for telling the stories in the way we do is very much to promote independence at a level that is appropriate to the learners in our classrooms. Themes such as independent living skills, effective communication, time management, appropriate dress, health and hygiene and more which I’m sure you’ll agree
are some of the fundamental building blocks of independence.

Tim Holsdworth – Headteacher St Ann’s School in Hanwell, west London.
Making your LA an offer they can’t refuse for school leaving students with complex learning difficulties, who are working consistently and over time on the Informal Pathway. St Ann’s Learning To Be Approach is a radical but highly successful model that has led to Equals Informal Curriculum, but does not cease to be effective post 19. The partnership between St Ann’s and Ealing LA proves that millions of pounds can be saved and more importantly, students who otherwise might have faced an institutionalised future can remain a central and active part of their local communities.

Barry Currell (Assistant Head teacher, Catcote School, Hartlepool)
‘Your choice, your future’ Preparing for Adulthood in Post 19 Education.
A journey through post 19 education supporting dreams and aspirations through choice, opportunity and real experiences. This session will demonstrate how Catcote Futures uses our bespoke ’10 Enterprise Commandments’ and ‘CORRECT enterprise skills’ across our 5 pathways
to create greater independence for all learners.

Panel Questions & Answers Session