Charlotte Mitchell

Charlotte Mitchell is Assistant Director for Schools and Inclusion at Rochdale Borough Council, where she leads the borough's strategy for education, inclusion, SEND, attendance, alternative provision, and school improvement. With over 20 years' experience across children's services, education and health, Charlotte has led significant system-wide reforms and delivered improved outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Charlotte is passionate about creating inclusive systems where every child belongs and can achieve their full potential. Rochdale Council is Nationally recognised for innovative and partnership-based approaches to inclusion; in 2026 the Council won the SEND System Vision Award (National CDC SEND awards). Rochdale has strong collaboration across schools, multi-academy trusts, health partners, and families to develop sustainable solutions that enable children and young people to thrive in their local communities. Passionate about creating education systems where every child belongs, Rochdale Council champions relational approaches, early intervention, and evidence-informed practice. The presentation today will describe how translating strategy into practical support for schools, ensures that inclusion is not an aspiration, but a reality experienced by children, families, and professionals every day. We will share insights from Rochdale's inclusion journey and discuss how initiatives such as Experts at Hand, Digital Solutions and a new Platform are supporting schools to access timely specialist expertise, build confidence in inclusive practice, and improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.