SEND Searchlights Series 2026
Our monthly webinar series ‘SEND Searchlights’ features short, 30-minute episodes where experts share insights and knowledge on all things SEND assessments. It also offers a space for schools to ask us their own burning questions. You can view recordings of all our previous SEND Searchlights webinars here.
You can see all of our upcoming webinars below:
10th March – 8:00am – 8:30am (UK Time)
Year of Reading & Dyslexia – 2026 is the National Year of Reading in the UK but let’s take this worldwide! Join our practical webinar where we help you achieve literacy success! We’ll show you how you can use data to spot reading barriers and how to support your learners for maximum impact.
14th April – 8:00am – 8:30am (UK Time)
Exploring Dyscalculia – Dyscalculia is far more than a simple struggle with maths, it is a specific neurological difference in how the brain processes numerical data and spatial logic. It affects up to 7% of the population, yet remains significantly under-identified compared to other learning differences. Today, we’re exploring Dyscalculia in more detail, looking at the core of number sense, the emotional impact of math anxiety, and the practical tools that empower individuals to navigate a number-driven world.
12th May – 8:00am – 8:30am (UK Time)
Supporting Working Memory – While we see long-term memory as our mental library, working memory is the “sticky note” of the mind, the active workspace where we hold and process information in real-time. Whether you are following multi-step directions or simply holding a conversation, your working memory is the engine driving those tasks. However, this mental space is strictly limited, and sometimes impaired. Today we are re-visiting working memory, highlighting how it can impact our learners in the school setting and exploring ways in which we can support.
9th June – 8:00am – 8:30am (UK Time)
Preparing for Transition – Whether moving from primary to secondary schools or stepping into a new key stage, school transitions are pivotal moments that can trigger hidden anxieties and disrupt academic progress. While attainment data tells one story, it often misses the “invisible” emotional barriers, like low self-esteem or a lack of school connection, that can also determine a student’s success. Today, we’ll discuss how to navigate these critical periods using various tools and data. By using data effectively, we can move beyond guesswork to proactively address mental health and motivation, ensuring every student feels confident and supported as they move into a new environment.
A little bit more about the facilitators:
Polly Marsh
Polly has over 10 years of teaching experience, having worked in both state and independent primary schools. After qualifying as a teacher, she then completed the National Award for SENCo. In 2019 she became a Specialist Leader in Education for SEND and progressed to Inclusion Lead, followed by Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, where she completed her NPQSL.
Debbie Baird
Debbie is a Trainer within the practice team who has a wealth of SEND experience. Prior to joining Renaissance, her background was in Special Education. She worked in a SEMH school for fourteen years working with children aged 5-19 who had complex social, emotional, communication and mental health difficulties across a range of cognitive abilities. She also has qualifications in supporting children with Dyslexic tendencies.