Noviun was proud to once again attend and sponsor the Education Estates SEND Conference 2026, held at ExCeL London, now in its fourth year and first time in a bigger venue. The year it was co-located with Sustainability conference. As a leading event focused on delivering a more inclusive and sustainable education system, the conferences brought together local authorities, education leaders, architects and consultants to address the growing demand for high-quality Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision as well as the need to consider environmental impact and sustainability strategies.
Attending the Education Estates SEND Conference 2026 provided valuable insight into how the sector is responding to increasing pressure on specialist school places. For Noviun, whose work centres on designing inclusive learning environments, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, evidence-led design and long-term planning.
Insight into Inclusive Education Design
The Education Estates SEND Conference 2026 explored practical strategies for delivering integrated specialist provision across the UK. Discussions focused on lessons learned from completed projects, funding and space planning challenges faced by Local Authorities and the importance of sensory-informed design principles integrated within the landscape design. Clarity, choice and calm were echoed throughout the talks as key design principles to give back control to children and young adults.
These conversations are directly aligned with Noviun’s commitment to creating environments that support wellbeing, dignity and positive learning outcomes. Understanding operational pressures and first-hand experiences from education providers ensures our architectural response remains practical, sensitive and future-proofed.
As sponsor, delegate and speaker, Noviun valued the opportunity to engage with sector leaders and contribute to meaningful discussions about the future of SEND education design.
Zane Putne Speaking at the Education Estates SEND Conference 2026
A key highlight of this year’s Education Estates SEND Conference 2026 was our Inclusive Environments Director, Zane Putne, speaking as part of the conference programme. Drawing on Noviun’s experience in delivering inclusive environments, Zane shared insight into lessons learned from a collaborative survey with Haverstock, Bond Bryan and LSI Architects from SEND and mainstream projects. It highlighted the flexibility and adaptability challenges many schools face.
Her contribution emphasised how thoughtful architectural design can support sensory regulation, safe movement, flexible learning spaces and long-term adaptability. By sharing real project experience, Noviun was pleased to play an active role in advancing the conversation around SEND provision and where further consideration might be needed in mainstream, for example in the design of large space, such as dining.
Continuing Our Commitment to SEND Provision
The Education Estates SEND Conference 2026 once again proved to be an insightful and important event for the sector. Sponsoring and attending the conference strengthens Noviun’s ongoing commitment to improving specialist education environments through considered, high-quality design.
We look forward to continuing to support Local Authorities and education providers in delivering inclusive, sustainable learning environments across the UK.
As today the SEND White Paper is due to be published, we look forward to seeing how the new strategies will hopefully improve inclusion in schools and ease access to education for all.
To learn more about our experience in SEND and education projects, explore our Education portfolio. You can also stay up to date with our latest news and insights by following Noviun on LinkedIn.
