More sessions added: Free online sessions for post-16 education leaders and practitioners across the Further Education sector
We’re pleased to share an extended programme of professional development opportunities designed for educators, leaders, and practitioners across the FE community. These sessions focus on practical strategies, innovative ideas, and collaborative approaches that support high-quality practice – particularly for teams working with SEND and neurodiverse learners.
All sessions are delivered online via Zoom, and a joining link will be sent to participants once they have registered.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, enhance your curriculum design, or develop more inclusive and impactful career pathways, we hope you’ll join us for one or more of these events.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions: Strengthening Practice Across the FE Community
Our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions are designed to provide colleagues across the FE sector with focused, evidence-based training that enhances inclusive practice, curriculum design, and learner support.
Careers, Preparing for Adulthood & SEND – Preparing Learners for Successful Adult Life
Thursday 12 February – 4-5pm via Zoom
This session is designed for post-16 teams to strategically and operationally embed high-quality, holistic support for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) as they prepare for adult life. It focuses on enabling meaningful progression into employment, independent living, and active participation in the community.
Click here to book this session
Practical tips for upskilling Further Education practitioners in supporting Neurodiverse Learner’s self-advocacy, reasonable adjustments and workforce readiness
Thursday 5 March – 4-5pm via Zoom
This session look at the strategies trialled and successfully implemented to develop the confidence and self-advocacy skills of neurodiverse learners to prepare for the world of work and the vital role staff play in developing these skills. Participants will take a focused look at how Luminate Education Group trains and develops staff to effectively support neurodiverse learners, including the use of inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments. The session will also consider how these approaches prepare learners for employment, apprenticeships and adulthood, supporting confident transitions into the world of work.
Click here to book this session
Communities of Practice (CoP) Series: Effective Careers Guidance & Information for SEND Learners
Alongside our CPD sessions, we will also host a three-part Communities of Practice series focused on strengthening CEIAG for SEND learners. These sessions are designed to help teams reflect, collaborate, and enhance their approaches across all aspects of careers guidance.
Use of AI for Inclusion: Creating Inclusive Classrooms and Colleges
Tuesday 3 February – 4-5pm via Zoom
Participants will explore how AI can support inclusive Post-16 environments by adapting curriculum materials and college communications to meet diverse learner needs, supporting the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) agenda. This interactive Bring a Tool or Bring a Question session invites participants to share AI tools that improve accessibility or bring inclusion challenges for collaborative problem-solving.
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Use of AI for Inclusion: Supporting Learners’ SEND Needs
Tuesday 24 February – 4-5pm via Zoom
The session provides a practical roadmap for strengthening provision across key areas of practice, supporting teams to demonstrate strong, coherent approaches to preparing learners for adulthood. Moving beyond standalone careers education, the session explores how curriculum design, teaching, assessment, and support work together to develop learners’ knowledge, skills, independence, and resilience.
Click here to book this session
Use of AI for Inclusion: Workload, Preparation, and Ethics
Tuesday 5 March – 4-5pm via Zoom
This session looks at how AI can streamline administrative workloads and session preparation while maintaining the “human touch.” We will also tackle vital ethical considerations – privacy, bias, and transparency – to ensure our use of AI remains safe and aligned with the core values of the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) framework.
Click here to book this session
How to Register
Places for all sessions can be booked through the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) website. You will be asked to create a free ETF account if you don’t already have one.
The Centres for Excellence in SEND initiative is part of the Universal SEND Services programme, which provides sector-led support to leaders, managers and practitioners to create a step change in inclusive teaching and learning. To access resources and find out more about upcoming activities and support, visit the CfESEND area of the ETF website.