Free national online sessions for post-16 education leaders and practitioners across the FE sector
We’re pleased to share a 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.
CPD Session 2
Creating Impactful Personalised Vocational Pathways & Passports
26 November 2025 – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
This session offers an in-depth look at developing ambitious, individualised vocational pathways that truly reflect learner aspirations. Drawing on evidence-based practice from across Luminate Education Group, we’ll explore how Vocational Passports can move provision beyond “one-size-fits-all” models, particularly within Supported Internship programmes. Participants will leave with actionable tools, templates, and approaches they can apply in their own settings.
CPD Session 3
Building a College-Wide Culture of Recording Career Development for SEND & EHCP Learners
8 December 2026 – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
How do we ensure every learner’s progress, skills, and experiences are captured meaningfully? This session will focus on developing consistent, robust approaches to documenting career education and guidance, work experience, and employer encounters across a whole college. We’ll showcase practical tools and systems that bring this information together in one place, improving both staff practice and learner outcomes.
CPD Session 4
Leading the Local Approach to Job Coach Development: Luminate’s Regional Job Coach Network
January 2025 (Date TBC) – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
This session will explore how colleges can lead a regional approach to job coach development – drawing on Luminate’s successful establishment of a collaborative, multi-provider Job Coach Network. We’ll share insights into securing local authority funding, elevating the job coach role, and creating a professional forum that amplifies good practice and collective voice across the sector.
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.
CoP Session 1
Driving an Integrated Career Guidance (CEIAG) Model
25 November 2025 – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
A strategic, high-level session exploring how to build a cohesive, college-wide CEIAG model. We’ll look at Gatsby Benchmarks, destination tracking, quality standards, and how to deliver strong provision even when budgets are tight. We’ll also reflect on Luminate’s own model and lessons learned.
CoP Session 2
Having Effective Career Information and Guidance (CIAG) Conversations
9 December 2025 – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
This practical session will focus on equipping all staff with the tools and conversational models needed to support learners in one-to-one career discussions. We’ll explore ways to maximise adviser expertise through blended approaches such as campus-based meetings and online platforms.
CoP Session 3
Supporting SEND Students to Achieve Positive Destinations
20 January 2026 – 3.30-4.30pm via Zoom
In this session, we’ll look at how Labour Market Information (LMI), partnership signposting, and employer engagement can guide learners towards meaningful next steps. We’ll highlight Luminate approaches to enhancing encounters and improving the planning of future pathways.
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.