To centre a child in their own learning may seem an obvious idea, but historically this has rarely been the norm – particularly for children with learning differences or disabilities, or for children whose families are from marginalised communities or cultures. Stephen Kilgour, a SEND education adviser and former deputy head of Cherry Garden, a school for children with complex learning differences, has been developing more progressive, child-centred approaches to assessment for some time.

In this session, Stephen Kilgour and Emma Pinnock, SEND consultant and Former head of an autism resource base, will make the case for why child-centred assessment is an essential need, and not just a ‘nice to have’. Together, they will explore how child-centred learning begins with understanding each child’s unique mode of learning, so that educators can meaningfully expand and enrich the child’s experiences, development and potential.

Stephen will discuss how Cherry Garden created its own child-centred assessment system, sharing insights from the school’s journey and practical steps for implementation. Emma Pinnock will highlight how child-led learning is supported through careful observation and by thinking beyond the linear boxes of traditional learning, encouraging practitioners to recognise and nurture the diverse ways children show understanding, curiosity and growth.