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Empowering Schools to Build Inclusive Attendance Cultures
Wayne Harris is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in school attendance, known for transforming attendance from a compliance task into a sustainable, whole-school approach. With over a decade across primary and secondary settings, he designed and leads the world’s first and only accredited pedagogy of attendance programme, now accessed by 2,500+ schools and thousands of staff.
As CEO and Founder of Inclusive Attendance and Inclusive Attendance International, Wayne combines accredited professional learning with a four-stage implementation programme and a five-year Standards pathway. His systems-led, child-centred model aligns with DfE guidance and the Ofsted 2025 framework, embedding relational practice, building a strong multi-agency offer, and creating the UK’s largest systems-led approach to attendance. Over the last two years, participating settings report significant reductions in persistent absence and attendance gains five times the national rate, alongside consistent practice, a strengthened culture of belonging, and leadership with a clear long-term vision.
Governance Matters
Felicity Gillespie is the Chief Executive of Kindred Squared, a UK private foundation focused on improving the quality of early childhood development. Kindred Squared funds research and runs programmes in collaboration with a wide range of UK public, private and third sector organisations.
Felicity has been an Adviser to the UK Department for Education since 2011 and the lead specialist Academy Governance Adviser for six years. She is on the board of Ofsted – the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, responsible for the inspection of services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.
Previous roles include establishing The National Teaching Awards and the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator. As the education and training advisor at the Confederation of British Industry, she represented the UK on EU education and training programme boards. A former Associate of the UK Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit and of the National College of School Leadership, Felicity has served as a National judge of the UK National Training Awards on many occasions and speaks on the British education system at conferences and seminars in the USA, Middle East, Asia and UK.
Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education from Our Little Learners
Emma Turner has served in primary education for 28 years. Alongside teaching, headship and leadership, she has been a consultant for the national strategies; trust research and CPD lead across 15 Leicestershire primary schools; and deputy director of education for a West Midlands trust across 18 primary schools. She currently provides independent consultancy and training for schools, authorities and trusts worldwide.
Emma has written six previous bestselling books on education focusing on curriculum, cognitive science and education leadership. She co-hosts the popular international education Podcast “Mind the Gap” with Tom Sherrington and regularly guest lectures at national and international events focusing on leadership, staff development, flexible working, cognitive science, research informed practice and curriculum design.
Emma is an experienced advisor, educational trainer and provides CPD, INSET and advisory support both nationally and internationally.
Emma is also a Co-chair of governors in a local Leicestershire primary school; Department for Education specialist advisory board member; advisory board member for the global equality collective. and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Beyond Compliance: Values-Driven Leadership for Sustainable Improvement
At a time when education leaders often find themselves responding to immediate pressures, how can we instead lead with integrity, anchored in our values and focused on long-term improvement? This panel will explore how values-driven leadership creates the conditions for meaningful, sustainable change. The discussion will highlight the importance of acting as critical friends, offering both support and constructive challenge, while fostering trust, resilience, and collaboration. Together, we’ll consider how leaders can stay proactive, guided by their principles, and avoid the trap of short-term compliance.
Panel Chair – Author, Values in Action: A Compass for School Leaders
Mike has served as headteacher of two large 11–18 schools and, until December 2024, he was the Education Director of the Avanti Schools Trust. He has also worked as a Department for Education (DfE) Education Adviser and was recently appointed to the national DfE RISE team.
With a proven track record in transforming educational outcomes and leading high-impact initiatives, Mike brings extensive experience in developing and delivering successful education programmes at local, regional, and national levels. His key areas of expertise include strategic communication, navigating complex organisational landscapes, and driving sustainable improvement across diverse educational settings.
Mike’s new book, Values in Action: A Moral Compass for School Leaders, was published by Routledge in September 2025.
Education
Additional roles and skills
Chief Executive, National Governance Association
Emma has been the National Governance Association (NGA) Chief Executive since September 2023. In this role she leads the charity with a focus on improving educational standards and the wellbeing of young people. Working under the direction of NGA’s board of trustees, Emma guides the organisation in achieving its mission while representing the interests of the school governance community at a national level. This includes engaging with legislators, policymakers, education sector organisations, and the media to advocate for NGA’s members.
With over 25 years of experience in education, leadership, and school improvement, Emma has a deep understanding of both maintained schools and academy governance. She has served on Interim Executive Boards (IEBs), has mentored others in governance roles, and is currently serving as a governor in a Multi-Academy Trust. Emma’s expertise extends to supporting NGA’s broader membership and identifying opportunities for new projects and partnerships, ensuring that the organisation adapts to emerging sector needs and continues to enhance governance standards across the education system.
Headteacher, Cragside Primary School
Rebecca Jackson has served as Headteacher of Cragside Primary School since 2018, bringing over three decades of experience in education. She is a Fellow of both the Chartered College of Teaching and the Royal Society of Arts, and an associate member of the Association of Education Advisers. In 2025, she was honoured with the Inspirational Educator Award by The Educators Trust. Under her leadership, the school received the Platinum ArtsMark in 2024 and in 2025 received the TES Schools Award for ‘Excellence in Creative Arts’. In March 2025 Cragside was rated outstanding in all five areas.
School Improvement Professional, Education Authority Northern Ireland
Mairéad is a leading expert in Irish Medium immersion education. As a teacher, vice-principal, and principal, she led the development of one urban Irish Medium primary school from its early beginnings to becoming an established, inclusive and outstanding setting. Her passion for equity guides everything that she does creating pathways and learning conditions for success for all.
Mairéad has played a pivotal role in the creation of many of the Irish Medium resources currently in use in our primary gaelscoileanna across Ireland, modernising and establishing a level of parity with English Medium learning materials. She has facilitated associated professional learning, building access to Irish Medium Education for pupils, and supporting the highest standard of teaching and learning for gaelscoil staff. As founder of Scéalta Saolta, Mairéad is author and publisher of a range of children’s picture books in Irish.
Currently, Mairéad supports Irish Medium school and system development and improvement, designing and facilitating professional learning across the full spectrum of experience from new teachers to experienced school leaders. Mairéad is a Senior Associate with the AoEA and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
