Specialist Spotlight: Strategies for Effective Transitions (Cross-phase)

Online
05 Mar 2026 (15:30 - 16:30)

Universal SEND Services

Online Event

Transition can be a make-or-break moment for learners with SEND, from classroom moves and key stage shifts to the leap from primary to secondary and on to further education. This session explores how schools and colleges can make every transition intentional, inclusive, and trauma informed. Participants will unpack the emotional and practical challenges that learners and families face, learn strategies to strengthen consistency and communication, and reflect on how to build continuity and confidence across phases. Through shared dialogue and best practice exchange, you’ll leave with practical tools to support smoother, safer, and more successful transitions at every stage.

Online

Suitable for: SENCO, Senior Leader, Teacher, Teaching Assistant

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.