Reflecting on the tCEs and Children and young people now (CYPN) Conference on Preventing ‘Lost Learning’ Through Increasing Attendance and Reducing Exclusions

The event provided a vital platform for discussions on innovative solutions to ensure every child has access to quality education, particularly those who struggle to engage in traditional school settings.

The conference featured a lineup of keynote speakers, such as Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of The Commission for Young Lives, Ellie Harris, Head of The Difference, Tania Tirraoro, Founder of Special Needs Jungle, Amanda Wright, Head of Whole School SEND at Nasen, Rachel Parker, Attendance Mentor at Banardo's and more. Click here to see the full list of speakers.

They shared their expertise and research on the impact of school exclusions, mental health issues and school avoidance, offering practical strategies to drive positive change across the education sector.

Thomas Keaney, Founder and CEO of TCES, spoke on TCES’s remarkable achievement of maintaining a zero permanent exclusions policy for 25 years. He outlined how TCES’ therapeutic educational approach has successfully kept vulnerable children in school, showing that with the right support systems in place, exclusion is not the only option.

A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Kirsten Roy, Headteacher of TCES National Online School, on ‘Alternatives to Lost Learning in School-Based Settings’. She explored how digital platforms can support children who struggle with traditional education, enabling them to engage with learning in more accessible and personalised ways. Kirsten’s session highlighted the importance of an online learning approach, where schools can embrace digital innovations to ensure no child is left behind.

This conference reinforced TCES’ 25-year dedication to transforming education for neurodiverse and vulnerable students. Thomas Keaney, reflecting on the key message from the conference, mentioned that ‘The key message was clear: by embracing innovative approaches and evidence-based strategies, we can prevent lost learning and secure brighter futures for all children’.

TCES wants to join with others to tackle the nationwide issue of exclusion and lost learning. The connections made on the day are a vital starting point for this. The conference may be done, but the work is just about to begin. 

If you are working within education and want to have further conversations on how we can collaborate to continue this conversation and action plans for improvements that will make a difference, reach out to events@tces.org.uk