Specialist Spotlight: Growing Learner Independence and Preparing for Adulthood (Cross-phase)
- Online
- 03 Jun 2026 (15:30 - 16:30)
A practical, cross-phase session for teachers, SENCOs, support staff and leaders, exploring how to build independence and Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) into everyday practice, from the earliest years through to Post-16.
Online
Suitable for: SENCO, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Inclusion Manager/Leader
Meet your trainer
Claire Cookson
Chief Executive Officer of Pathways Education Ltd, Claire leads a fast-growing organisation that serves children and young adults not in formal schooling, to help them re-engage with learning, life and beyond. Underpinned by the values of Wellbeing, Connection and Empowerment, Claire’s work relentlessly focuses on re-imagining education to ensure all young adults have the opportunity, skills, and support to transition into high aiming paid employment in their adult lives.
Formally the CEO of DFN Project SEARCH and DFN Foundation, Claire is an experienced senior leader and public speaker with an extensive background in education, innovative curriculum design and best practice supported employment. Experienced chair and board member, Claire currently holds a number of non-exec trustee roles, one with a specialist school with the primary responsibility for safeguarding, and one with DFN Project SEARCH.
Claire supports many national workstreams around evidence-based transition to employment provision and is currently an external advisor to a large-scale national charity as well as sitting on a number of APPG groups around assistive technology and supported internships.
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