The Northumberland SEND Peer Review Project is a collaborative initiative to strengthen SENCOs’ confidence and practice across Northumberland by embedding a sustainable peer review model.
Key components include baseline surveys, training on SEND review and self-evaluation, coaching for schools, EvaluateMySchool integration, quality assurance visits, and an impact report – all designed to build a culture of continuous improvement and shared expertise.
Led by David Bartram OBE, a nationally recognised SEND leader and former DfE policy adviser, this programme ensures schools work together to enhance SEND provision and outcomes for all pupils.
Schools are encouraged to be part of a pilot project that will undertake peer reviews before sharing their knowledge and experiences across the county. You can attend simply the morning as a school wishing to strengthen your own understanding of SEND provision, or (if selected for the pilot) attend the afternoon to begin to develop the peer review model.
When is it?
This will be in person on Tuesday 20th January 2026, 9.15-3.15pm at Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth.
What is the intent?
1) Morning Session (9am-12.30pm) The SEND Review Process + Effective SEND Self-Evaluation (all attendees). This session will consider the principles of peer review, structuring the review process, case studies and practical exercises.
2) Afternoon Session (1.00pm – 3.30pm) Leading Reviews (for those schools involved in the pilot)
Overview
This training programme is designed to develop coaching capability within participant schools, with a focus on enabling SENCOs and Lead Peer Reviewers to confidently lead and support high-quality peer reviews across NCC settings.
Content Includes:
- Developing effective coaching skills
- Building trust and rapport with staff and peer reviewers
- Approaches for offering developmental, evidence-informed feedback
- Strategies to support sustained improvement conversations
Commitment Required
The programme will require dedicated time from the school’s SENCO, who will act as the Lead Peer Reviewer. Responsibilities include:
- Leading peer reviews across other NCC settings
- Following up on actions and developmental feedback
- Engaging with fellow reviewers as part of the pilot
Additional Engagement
Participants will also take part in:
- Online meetings with David Bartram and his team
- Sessions involving headteachers and lead reviewers
- In-person quality assurance visits with David Bartram
Who can attend?
Settings across Northumberland and those with children/young people from Northumberland (including EY settings/providers and alternative providers)
What is the cost?
Free to Northumberland settings, including settings who have children/young people from Northumberland outside of the county
Which staff would benefit from attending?
– Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), however this may be of use to Headteachers/CEOs or Senior Leaders if they would like to understand the SEND Review to support a MAT approach.
What will be provided?
Refreshments (am) / buffet lunch TBC
Who will run the session?
David Bartram
David has been a SEND policy adviser to the Department for Education, an adviser to the Mayor of London’s education team and Director of SEND at the London Leadership Strategy. David is author of the SEND Review Guide, a national best practice framework funded by the Department for Education. He is editor of Great Expectations, Leading an Effective SEND Strategy in School and co-author of Beyond Boundaries, Leading Great SEND Provision Across a Trust. David has supported the development of Inclusion policy in a number of countries including Ethiopia, Seychelles, Thailand and Malaysia. David is a member of the Educational Policy Institute Advisory Board and a trustee of the KPMG Foundation, which seeks to bring about systemic change in business and society and unlock the potential of the most disadvantaged children in the UK. David was appointed an OBE for Services to Special Education in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list
Liz King
Liz is an experienced senior leader, leadership coach and facilitator. Her work is based on the University of the Witwatersrand’s Authentic Leadership framework and Nancy Kline’s Time to Think coaching principles. She has combined these practices with established knowledge exchange approaches to enhance Challenge Partner’s unique framework for practitioner-led knowledge exchange, which is both collaborative and challenging. At Challenge Partners, Liz has oversight of Challenge Partner’s strategy development and implementation, the innovation pipeline, and knowledge exchange. Prior to joining Challenge Partners, she held a diverse portfolio of senior leadership roles in business operations and specialised in facilitation and coaching processes. Liz graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a BA in Education and a Masters in Business Administration, achieving a distinction in her thesis on the intersection of Knowledge Management and Learning in a professional environment
How can I register?
Please click the link HERE. The deadline to register is 19th December 2025
