Derby County Community Trust hosted the Derby Opportunity Area Inclusion Conference at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 5th May.

The conference was attended by over 200 of the city’s teachers and local organisations who work with young people and was aimed at looking at the work that has shown the need for further intervention to increase attendance in school and tackle both permanent and fixed term exclusions.

The Inclusion Programme has been running across the past two school years and has supported 67 schools, directly working with 889 pupils within education and engaging with hundreds of young people through community hubs.

Throughout the day the conference looked at the success of the OA Inclusion Programme by showcasing the Social Impact Report as well as launching the new Inclusion Charter. The charter contains five key principles that all schools in Derby will look to implement. Broadcaster and activist Carrie Grant then delivered a passionate keynote address, discussing her experiences of adoption, SEND children and inclusion in schools.

The day ended with a marketplace where education providers could meet organisations, including SHED, Baby People and Safe and Sound, that support young people across Derby and how they can work together as well as a round table discussion held by the University of Derby.

Jo Wilkinson, Inclusion Manager (Opportunity Area), said: "It was great to have so many people together in one place who genuinely care about inclusion and making our schools an even better place for young people.

"It was a celebration of the work we have done so far but also important to remember that we still have a long way to go to achieve our goals and launching the charter is a big step in the right direction."

Read our Social Impact Report