True inclusion is built by design, not by chance.

On 15 October, Matrix leaders presented at the Sandwell Headteacher Conference 2026 at the Telford Hotel, demonstrating exactly how inclusion is achieved in practice.

Elmwood School headteacher Lee Cross, Pool Hayes Primary School headteacher Caroline Snape and Director of School Improvement Jodie Till delivered a workshop titled ‘Inclusion By Design’. The team challenged regional school leaders to rethink their approach to creating genuinely inclusive schools. The session moved beyond theory, focusing on the concrete actions and operational mechanics required to ensure every pupil has the framework to succeed.

Our staff outlined clear, evidence-informed approaches across three critical areas: establishing an uncompromising foundation of values and vision, ensuring high quality first teaching is standard practice across every classroom, and structuring a rigorous universal, targeted, and specific offer. Sharing these strategies ensures we continue to drive standards forward and lead by example across the sector.