Guest Speaker sharon gray
Beyond Exclusion: Violence, Inclusion and the New Statutory Framework
Sharon Gray explores how schools can move beyond exclusionary approaches when children's distress presents as violence.
This timely session examines the new statutory framework alongside practical, Thrive-informed strategies that promote inclusion, regulation and belonging.
Duration
2 Hours
Format
Live online training
Price
£80 + VAT
Designed for
Thrive Practitioners
beyond exclusion CPD
Overview
Children's behaviour is often a form of communication, yet when distress presents as violence, schools can face difficult decisions about safety, inclusion and support. In this webinar, Sharon Gray explores how schools can move beyond exclusionary approaches and respond to violence through a relational, Thrive-informed lens.
Drawing on neuroscience, current research and the new April 2026 statutory guidance, the session examines the links between dysregulation, behaviour and unmet need, alongside the role of PACE and the Vital Relational Functions in supporting children effectively. Participants will also explore the new expectations around restrictive interventions, reasonable force and seclusion, as well as practical models that help build safer, more inclusive school communities. Throughout, the focus remains on understanding behaviour, strengthening relationships and creating the conditions in which every child can thrive.
Beyond Exclusion CPD
What you’ll gain from this CPD
Build your understanding of the new statutory framework and explore practical, Thrive-informed approaches to responding to violence, reducing exclusion and promoting inclusion.
- Understand the new statutory framework on restrictive interventions, reasonable force and seclusion.
- Build confidence in responding to distress-driven behaviour.
- Strengthen your understanding of relational, neuroscience-informed practice.
- Explore approaches that promote inclusion and reduce restrictive interventions.
- Leave with practical tools you can use immediately.
- What the April 2026 statutory guidance means for schools and practitioners.
- How to distinguish between distress, dysregulation and non-compliance.
- How PACE and the Vital Relational Functions support regulation and inclusion.
- Practical models, including the Nurture-Structure Highway and the SES Way Code of Conduct.
- Strategies that help prevent violence, build safety and strengthen inclusion.
Our guest speaker
Sharon Gray NLE OBE is a highly respected inclusion specialist, Thrive Trainer and education consultant, bringing over three decades of leadership experience and national expertise in trauma-informed practice, attendance and inclusive education.
Sharon Gray NLE OBE
Education Consultant, Thrive Trainer and Inclusion Specialist
Sharon Gray NLE OBE is an Education Consultant at Wholehearted Learning, with over three decades of leadership across mainstream, special and SEMH provision.
A former National Leader of Education, Pride of Britain Teacher of the Year and OBE recipient, Sharon is a Thrive Trainer, co-author of Courageous Journeys in Education, and an internationally regarded speaker on inclusion, attendance and trauma-informed practice. She advises schools, trusts, local authorities and the DfE.
Book Now
Choose your session
See the available dates and times for this course below. When you've found a session that works for you, you can book your place.
Our December 2026 start dates
PA10331 - Guest Speaker - Beyond Exclusion — Violence, Inclusion and the New Statutory Framework. Restrictive Interventions, Reasonable Force and the Move Away from Seclusion
Start date: 3rd December 2026
End date: 3rd December 2026
1 Session
300 Places left
£80 ex VAT
Session dates:
- Thu 3rd December 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Fees & next steps
Course fee: £80 + VATBook your place above to secure your spot on this 2-hour CPD session for Thrive Practitioners.
This session is suitable for Thrive Licensed Practitioners working in Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Special Schools.
This course counts as 2 hours towards the 4 hours of Thrive CPD you need each year to maintain your Thrive Licensed Practitioner status.
