Beyond labels: rethinking SEND through relationships (year 6-7 transition) — Melissa Farnham
The move from Year 6 to Year 7 is one of the most significant moments in a learner’s educational journey. As schools respond to rising levels of special educational needs and disabilities identification, attendance concerns and emotional distress, an important question emerges: are we always identifying learner need, or are we sometimes seeing the impact of disrupted relationships, belonging and agency? Drawing on doctoral research at the intersection of transition, inclusion and relational theory, Melissa Farnham will explore how the move to secondary school can create experiences of relational misalignment that may present as difficulties commonly associated with special educational needs and disabilities. Through research, practice examples and reflective discussion, delegates will consider how schools can strengthen belonging, maintain relational continuity and create environments that engage, elevate and empower learners to thrive. This workshop is designed for school leaders, SENCOs, pastoral teams and practitioners interested in how a relational lens can deepen understanding of learner engagement, inclusion and success.
About the speaker
Melissa Farnham is Chief Executive of ASDAN and has more than 25 years’ experience across the UK education landscape. Prior to joining ASDAN, she held leadership roles within education and charitable providers, alongside governance and advisory roles across local authorities and the non-maintained and independent sector. Melissa has worked with NGOs, devolved funding commissioners, government leaders and policy groups, and has contributed to policy consultations, governmental workshops, Green Paper development and advisory groups. Her experience spans inclusion, reasonable adjustments, access to assessment, organisational change and partnership development. She is passionate about shaping inclusive education systems that engage learners, elevate aspirations and empower young people to open doors to their futures.
