On Monday 8th June 2026 the Visualising Opportunity: Inclusion for Children in Education and Society (VOICES) team hosted over 100 schools at the Inclusion Quality Mark’s (IQM) North West Collaborative Cluster Inclusion Conference.
The day kicked off with a fun and energetic introduction to self-esteem and diversity by Rock Kidz on Tour who work with Primary Schools all over the UK raising the profile of well-being and PSHE through the power of music.
The main sessions of the day were delivered by a range of schools and colleges based in North West England covering topics such as Philosophy for Children, Student Leadership, On-line Safety with plenty of opportunities for sharing best practice, and the day ended with a wonderful dance demonstration from students at TMP College which is an independent specialist college that delivers creative qualifications to learners age 16+.
As part of the programme, the VOICES team were able to share the research projects they are involved in and engage practitioners in exploring how visual and creative pedagogies can help children and young people share their views and experiences of education. It is hoped that beginning these initial conversations will lead to further school based research projects that can lead to IQM flagship status.
Feedback from the day has been that the delegates found the sessions interesting, thought-provoking and inspiring. Particular thanks was given for the welcoming, friendly and very helpful colleagues in the conferences, catering and facilities teams who ensured the day ran smoothly.
School partners who would be interested in getting involved in research or would just like to learn more about the VOICES project or the work of IQM can contact:
Dr Clare Woolhouse
Reader in Inclusive Education, School of Education, [email protected]
