From research to reality: what we’re learning about embedding violence prevention in schools — Dennis Simms and Jo Tedstone

This session will explore the impact of violence on young people and introduce the Youth Endowment Fund’s evidence-informed approach to preventing it. Through insights from their Catalyst programme, participants will hear real-world examples of how schools have implemented violence prevention strategies, including the challenges encountered and the solutions found. The session will provide practical learning for education leaders seeking to strengthen prevention work in their own settings, with opportunities for discussion with other education leaders in the room.

About the speakers

Dennis Simms Dennis is the Assistant Director of Education, Insights & Collaboration at the Youth Endowment Fund. He is a former school and Alternative Provision leader who specialises in leadership and strategy. He co-founded Heads Forward (Teach First’s National Ambassador Headteachers’ Network), and has also previously developed and published the Alternative Provision Quality Toolkit at the Centre for Social Justice As a consultant and coach, Dennis works with a wide range of schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, and charities and has extensive experience in supporting leaders to maximise their impact.

Jo Tedstone Jo is the Change Lead for Education at the Youth Endowment Fund where she has led the successful Catalyst pilot programme. She has previously worked as a Regional Delivery Lead at the Education Endowment Foundation collaborating with regional and national system leaders to support education settings. Jo is also Chair and Safeguarding Link of a secondary academy in the West Midlands and is currently completing a PhD in Education and Social Justice focusing on the educational experiences of children living with parental alcohol misuse.