YMCA Nottinghamshire School Conference
Experience. Understand. Transform.
Thursday 5 March 2026 | 9am–3pm | YMCA Community & Activity Village, Newark
A limited-place event for education leaders who want practical solutions to wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and inclusion challenges.
£60 per person (includes lunch and all materials)
Outdoor Fitness Space
Why This Conference Matters
If you’re a Headteacher, Principal, SEND Lead, Pastoral Lead, or education decision-maker dealing with behaviour challenges, attendance concerns, mental health pressures, or inclusion needs – this day is for you.
Where here to not just talk about these challenges, this conference provides you practical solutions you can experience firsthand. You’ll try the activities your pupils could access, participate in high-value CPD workshops, and meet the expert youth coaches who could be working with your school. By the end of the day, you’ll have a clear understanding of what YMCA Newark & Sherwood can deliver, how it works at your school or at our Village, and a straightforward pathway to make it happen – whether for a one-off intervention, a term, or a full year.
What We Provide
YMCA Newark & Sherwood is a long-term delivery partner for schools, providing wellbeing, enrichment and engagement programmes aligned to education priorities, grounded in Developmental Relationships, and delivered by expert youth coaches. At your setting or the YMCA Community & Activity Village.
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- Workshops provided CPD aligned with:
- Trauma-informed practice
- Mental health and emotional regulation
- Developmental Assets Framework (building protective factors)
- Alternative curriculum experiences
- Workshops provided CPD aligned with:
Outdoor Fitness Space
CPD Workshops
Our workshops provide accredited professional development linked to trauma-informed practice, helping you understand and respond effectively to adverse childhood experiences. We’ll explore practical strategies for supporting mental health and emotional regulation in the classroom, introduce you to the Developmental Assets Framework and how it builds protective factors that support resilience, and examine alternative curriculum experiences that can engage learners who need a different approach.
Mind–Body–Spirit activities
Our Mind–Body–Spirit activity rotations give you hands-on experience of programmes your pupils could benefit from. You’ll try climbing, which builds confidence, problem-solving and resilience, and dance, which helps young people express emotions while developing coordination and teamwork. The studio gym sessions focus on strength, focus and personal achievement, while our mindfulness activities teach calming techniques, emotional awareness and self-regulation. Multi-sports sessions emphasize collaboration, physical literacy and healthy competition.
Outdoor Fitness Space
Event Overview
Morning Sessions
Primary School Delegates: Activity rotations across our Mind–Body–Spirit programme
- Climbing wall experience
- Dance and movement
- Studio gym session
- Mindfulness activities
- Multi-sports
- Nursery facility tour
Secondary & Alternative Provision Delegates: CPD Workshops
- Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Developmental Assets Framework
- Plus a third workshop (to be confirmed)
Afternoon Sessions
Guest speaker: Dr Maddi Popoola
We’re delighted to welcome Dr Maddi Popoola, author of ‘Reimagining Education’, iCAMHS Service Manager and co-host of the NottAlone podcast.
Maddi will share a practical perspective on what children and young people are telling us about school — and what this means for building emotionally safe, inclusive environments that support wellbeing, engagement and attendance.
Primary School Delegates: CPD Workshops (same high-value professional development as the morning secondary sessions)
Secondary & Alternative Provision Delegates: Activity rotations (experience the same Mind–Body–Spirit programme primary colleagues tried in the morning)
End of Day (All Delegates)
- Guided reflection session
- Share feedback and evaluation
- Clear outline of partnership opportunities and next steps
Practical Information
Location
YMCA Community & Activity Village, Newark
The venue offers convenient transport links, located just five minutes from both Newark Castle Station and Newark North Gate Station, with easy access from the A1 and A46. Full directions and parking information will be provided in your confirmation email.
What to Wear
Please wear comfortable clothing and trainers suitable for light physical activity. You’ll be trying our activity sessions, so think PE kit rather than formal wear!
What You’ll Leave With
You’ll receive practical resources from each workshop, comprehensive programme information packs, hero stories and case studies from other schools, clear next steps for commissioning YMCA support, and professional connections across Nottinghamshire education settings that could prove valuable long after the conference ends.
School Conference Booking
FAQS
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Can I bring multiple colleagues from my school?
Absolutely. We encourage you to bring colleagues involved in pastoral care, SEND provision, behaviour support or wellbeing initiatives.
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I’m not very sporty – will I manage the activities?
Yes! All activities are adapted for different fitness levels and abilities. The focus is on experiencing what your pupils would experience, not on athletic performance.
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How soon after the conference can we book YMCA support?
We can arrange a school visit or planning session within 10–15 working days, with programmes potentially starting the following term.
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Is lunch provided?
Yes, lunch is included in your ticket price, along with refreshments throughout the day.
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What are the payment options?
Payment is taken securely when you complete your booking. We accept card payments and can provide invoices for academy trusts or council departments.