NAVSH 2027 Annual Conference

Leading Through Change

The Power of Healthy Leadership for Vulnerable Children

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This conference brings together Virtual School Heads, Virtual School Teams, leaders, practitioners, and policy makers to explore how identity, lived experience, and systemic inequality intersect in the lives of children in care, care-experienced young people, and those with a social worker.

At its heart, the event champions the belief that every child’s story matters — and that equity in education begins with listening, understanding, and leading with compassion.

As the role of the Virtual School evolves in the UK, this conference will spotlight how leadership can drive meaningful change by: 

• Embedding intersectionality into school systems and leadership practices.Addressing the educational barriers faced by children in care, care experienced (including adoption and kinship) and those with a social worker.
• Exploring the impact of trauma, identity, and systemic disadvantage on learning and wellbeing.
• Sharing innovative strategies and best practice to improve outcomes for these young people and support them to overcome the challenges they face.
• Build collaborative networks across education, social care, and community sectors.

Together, we will examine how to lead with equity at the core — ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Hotels & Accommodation

• The Aloft Birmingham Hotel is directly attached to The Eastside Rooms, with the conference space accessible via the hotel lobby.
  • Secure your room at a guaranteed delegate rate of £183 per night here: Book here at the guaranteed rate
    • Please note: There are 35 rooms available at the guaranteed rate
  • Once the guaranteed rate rooms are fully booked, you can reserve standard rooms here: Aloft Hotel (standard booking)
• Additional nearby accommodation includes the Premier Inn – Aston Hotel, located just a 10-minute walk from the venue: Premier Inn – Aston Hotel

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Delegate Booking Form

Please note: Conference delegate tickets are available only to Virtual School Heads and members of Virtual School Teams.
Organisations and charities can attend only by booking an exhibitor stand (subject to availability — see further details below).

If the ticket option you want to book is unavailable please call 01789 414646 and we'll see if we can help

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