Feedback from our Engaging Vulnerable Learners event

On Thursday 6 November, Red Kite Alliance welcomed educators from across primary, secondary, and special school settings to Roundhay School for a powerful day of professional learning focused on Engaging Vulnerable Learners. Delivered in partnership with The PTI, the event brought together expert voices and practical strategies to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in education: poor attendance, SEND provision, engagement, and low attainment.

The programme featured keynote workshops led by Shaun Brown, Deputy CEO of The Difference, and Sam Pocock, Teacher Leader at Leeds West Academy. Shaun shared his nationally recognised expertise in whole-school inclusion and trauma-aware practice, while Sam facilitated collaborative sessions designed to translate theory into actionable steps for schools. Participants explored whole-school systems and culture, mindset and inclusive practice, metrics and accountability, and leadership and staff development. The day concluded with a World Café and Creative Collaboration session, enabling delegates to co-create resources and share ideas for improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. 100% of participants agreed that the aims of the day were met, and all rated the course design as effective. Shaun Brown and Sam Pocock were praised for their engaging delivery, with comments highlighting Shaun’s “insightful thinking around behaviour and SEND and the whole-school approach” and the value of collaborative discussions throughout the day. One delegate wrote:

The whole day was a great opportunity to reflect on what we are already doing well and how we can make inclusion even better in our school.

Another added:

Opportunities to collaborate with other leaders to unpick the themes of the training session and trends in schools was really useful.

Key statistics from the evaluation show the impact: 91% of participants agreed the event gave them knowledge and skills to be better teachers, and 91% said attending will have a direct impact on their pupils. Confidence in teaching the topic rose significantly, with 63.6% feeling confident after the course compared to 31.8% before. One participant summed up the experience:

Lots of food for thought. Reinforcing the idea that interactions and relational practice are key to any form of impact.

Delegates left with concrete actions to implement in their settings, including introducing clear behaviour scripts and visuals for consistency, delivering CPD on Quality First Teaching for all staff, tracking inclusion outcomes and lost learning data, embedding trauma-informed and relational practices, and using models like World Café to foster collaboration. As one attendee put it:

I’m taking back strategies to help staff better empathise with vulnerable learners and a renewed focus on inclusion as a journey, not a destination.

This event exemplified Red Kite Alliance’s commitment to collaboration, inclusion and professional growth. By equipping educators with practical strategies and fostering a shared sense of purpose, we are helping schools create environments where every learner can thrive.