We’re shining a spotlight on Daniel Sobel, internationally respected leader in inclusive education and guest speaker at our upcoming webinar, A fireside conversation on inclusion. His work has transformed how schools think about inclusion, shifting the focus from paperwork and placement to the everyday experiences of children.
Daniel is the founder of Inclusion Expert and Chair of the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP), an international network now spanning 140 countries, which equips educators with evidence-based strategies and shapes policy at national and international levels. He has advised the DfE, the EU and governments around the world on how to make inclusion work in practice, not just on paper.
He is the author of three best-selling books - Narrowing the Attainment Gap, Leading on Pastoral Care and The Inclusive Classroom - alongside more than 100 published articles. His work is known for being practical, direct and grounded in real school experience.
Daniel’s own journey shapes his perspective. He left school without A Levels and read his first book at 18, giving him a deep understanding of how systems can miss potential. After postgraduate study, he became a teacher, then a SENCO and Assistant Head. Frustrated by processes that created more paperwork than progress, he began developing simple tools to help teachers respond earlier and more effectively. That thinking became Inclusion Expert.
His recent work focuses on Inclusion 2.0 - a straightforward but important shift in thinking.
In a climate where schools are managing rising need, complex behaviour and increasing scrutiny around inclusion, it is easy for the focus to fall on documentation, labels or placement. Inclusion 2.0 argues that real inclusion is not defined by paperwork or where a child sits. It is defined by experience.
Do children feel they belong? Are barriers identified early? Are behaviour, attendance and wellbeing understood as connected, not separate issues?
This perspective moves beyond tick-box compliance and reactive support. It prioritises early noticing, strong relationships, shared language across teams and practical changes that make a difference every day. It reflects a belief that children do best when adults understand their emotional needs and respond with clarity and consistency.
In this conversation, Daniel will explore what meaningful inclusion looks like now, why many systems struggle to deliver it consistently, and what leaders can do differently. If inclusion, belonging and whole-school culture are high on your agenda, this session will offer clear, practical insight you can apply immediately.
Tuesday 10th March 2026 | 4.30-5.15pm GMT
Can't join live? Sign up anyway and we'll send you the on-demand recording.
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