Hosted by Neil Toplass, Executive Head at Shenstone Lodge and The Brades Lodge
On Friday 13th February 2026, more than 400 education professionals gathered at Walsall Arena and Arts Centre for the Midlands SEMH Network Conference: Teaching on the Edge. The event was expertly hosted by Neil Toplass, Executive Head at Shenstone Lodge and The Brades Lodge, who led a powerful and inspiring day of learning, reflection and collaboration.
This year’s theme centred on what it truly means to work “on the edge” – supporting children who sit at the intersections of belonging, resilience, hope and challenge. The atmosphere throughout the day reflected exactly that: passionate practitioners committed to making a difference.
Inspiring Keynotes
Nick Barwick – “Seeing Through the Kids’ Eyes”
Nick opened the day with a keynote that was both moving and energising. Drawing on his personal experiences, he highlighted the profound importance of being a caring, consistent adult in a child’s life. As he shared in his LinkedIn post:
“You may never see the power in your role but just know it’s there.”
Nick spoke candidly about the pressures educators face, reminding delegates that despite everything, they continue to show up, care deeply, and transform lives. His message left a lasting impression and set a powerful tone for the day.
Dr Andy Cope – The Doctor of Happiness
Dr Cope brought optimism, humour and research-driven strategies to the stage. He explored how happiness, positivity and wellbeing can become transformative forces in schools — not only for pupils, but for staff too. His uplifting session had delegates laughing, reflecting and re‑energised for the work ahead.
Workshops: Practical, Creative and Research-Informed
Delegates had the opportunity to choose from an extensive programme of workshops covering SEMH practice, digital inclusion, trauma‑informed approaches, curriculum design, physical education, behaviour, and pupil agency. These sessions were delivered by leading specialists including:
Simon Mosley, Gemma Gwilliam, Alec Masson, Sarah Hyde, Stephen Steinhaus, Courtney Ballard, Nick Mason‑Mohammed, Nico Van De Groot, Ben Hooper, James Crystal and Karen McArthur.
A particularly popular workshop came from Gemma Gwilliam, who explored how digital tools can transform accessibility and independence for learners with SEMH needs.
For those who attended her session, Gemma has kindly shared all of the links, tools and case studies mentioned in her presentation via her LinkedIn Profile.
Other highlights included:
- Simon Mosley – showing your best side through the new Ofsted framework
- Alec Masson – pupil agency and purposeful physical education
- Sarah Hyde – transition, mentorship and Assisted Internships
- Stephen Steinhaus – “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome”: supporting the most vulnerable learners
- Courtney Ballard & Nick Mason‑Mohammed – embedding trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware practice
- Nico Van De Groot & Ben Hooper – technology, relationships and impactful SEMH practice
- James Crystal – understanding behaviour through the lens of substance misuse
- Karen McArthur – personalised outreach packages for pupils with complex needs
Every workshop offered something practical, reflective and immediately applicable for schools across the Midlands.
Reflections from Delegates
The positivity of the day continued to ripple across social media.
Jane Mackin, Headteacher at Rocklands Primary, shared:
“At the end of a half term, I was uplifted to spend quality time collaborating with colleagues at the
Midlands SEMH Conference… A wealth of knowledge was shared… The day ended with much laughter with
‘Dr Happiness’. Thank you Neil Toplass and Shenstone Lodge for the inspiring day!”
Tracy Bullock, Assistant Headteacher at Loxley Hall, shared:
“What a fantastic day of workshops, collaboration and networking in Walsall with colleagues Keiran Sanders and Tom Ahearn. Lots of thoughts to take back to the wider team too – albeit after a restful recharge after the half term break.”
Their words captured the sentiment that many attendees expressed – the conference was not only informative but deeply uplifting.
A Proud Moment for Shenstone Lodge and The Brades Lodge
This conference was a true celebration of leadership, collaboration and hope. Under the direction of Neil Toplass, the Midlands SEMH Network Conference brought together educators, specialists and partners who are united by one goal: ensuring every child with SEMH needs can thrive.
We are incredibly proud of Neil for hosting such a significant and impactful event, and for placing Shenstone Lodge at the forefront of SEMH innovation across the Midlands.
The Midlands SEMH Network Conference truly embodied our values: #EveryoneBelongsLearnsGrows
