IFtL Highlights Inclusion During Cross-Trust Inset Day

Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL) brought the first half of the autumn term to a close with a powerful cross-trust Inset Day, shining a spotlight on inclusion across all schools within the trust. The day provided colleagues with valuable opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and strengthen shared understanding around inclusive practices that ensure every child and adult feels seen, valued and supported. 

The day began with a thought-provoking fireside panel discussion featuring Sarah Bennett, IFtL CEO; Safian Sadiq, Director of Talent & Teaching School at  Children Learning Trust; Toni Fisher, Bletchley Pathfinder’s Independent Chair; Vic Blackmore, IFtL Head of Safeguarding, Health, Children and Families; and Kat Newman, Director of Youth and Community. 

During the opening session, Sarah Bennett set the scene by defining what true inclusion looks like across IFtL schools, emphasising the trust’s collective responsibility to foster environments where everyone thrives. Each panellist shared insights from their area of expertise, exploring the challenges, opportunities and practical ways colleagues can champion inclusion in everyday practice. The conversation underlined the transformative impact of inclusion—not only on pupil outcomes but on the wellbeing and culture of the entire school community. 

Following the opening discussion, keynote speaker Amjad Ali, a nationally recognised expert in inclusive leadership and professional development, delivered an engaging session on Inclusion and Dignity. Drawing from his rich experience as a teacher, SENDCO and advocate for equality, Amjad inspired colleagues to lead with empathy, curiosity and courage. 

The remainder of the day was dedicated to practical exploration and collaboration. 

• Workshop 1: Team Around the Child invited Designated Safeguarding Leads to guide colleagues through real case studies, using the ‘team around the child’ approach to demonstrate the power of joined-up support. 

• Workshop 2: Team Around the School explored how individuals, schools and IFtL together can create systemic impact through collective responsibility and inclusive culture.
  The day concluded with Trust, School and Colleague Pledges, where teams shared reflections and commitments to take inclusive actions forward within their own settings. 

Throughout the day, a shared message resonated: inclusion is not a one-off focus but a continual journey embedded in every interaction, decision and environment. 

This Inset Day demonstrated IFtL’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that inclusion sits at the heart of all its work—empowering every child, colleague and community to flourish.