Putting Unconditional Positive Regard at the Centre of Your School — Dave Whitaker

What does true inclusion look like for our most vulnerable learners—and how can schools lead with compassion while maintaining high expectations? In this powerful session, Dave Whitaker draws on decades of experience working with children and young people facing some of the greatest challenges in education.

Now Chief Education Officer at Wellspring Academy Trust, overseeing 33 schools across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Dave has led numerous special schools, PRUs, and alternative provisions. He also heads Positive Regard, the Trust’s behaviour outreach and training arm. A former National Leader of Education, Dave is known nationally for his transformative, relationship-centred approach to behaviour and inclusion.

Through practical insights and moving stories, Dave will show how care, love, and what he calls “battering them with kindness” can change the trajectory for children with the most complex needs.