In July, we were delighted to welcome over 90 delegates from schools, colleges, local authorities, and partner organisations to our inaugural collaborative SEND PP conference: Pathways to Possibility: SEND Transitions to Higher Education.
Delivered in partnership by Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF), the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University, the event reflected our shared commitment to strengthening transition pathways at every stage of education and employment, and improving outcomes for young people.
A huge thank you to our speakers: Dr Anne Chant and Dr. Rachel Mallia Borg from Canterbury Christ Church University, and Ruth Gately from The Education People – Part of Commercial Services Group, whose thought-provoking presentations set the scene for the SEND landscape.
Thank you also to Nicola Turner from UCAS, Shona Eagles (ANutr) from STAART at University of Greenwich, and Georgina F E Hamilton-Hopkins from Canterbury Christ Church University, who provided practical information for supporting disabled students’ progress to Higher Education. Also, to the organisations that joined our marketplace, sharing advice and opportunities to help navigate the wide range of post-16 and post-18 pathways available to young people with SEND.
The most powerful part of the day was hearing directly from our panel of young people with lived experience and the professionals who support them (MidKent College, Canterbury Christ Church University and PLC Group). Their honest
reflections reminded us that successful transitions are far more than outcomes and destinations. They are about feeling valued, understood and supported, while fostering a sense of community within educational and workplace settings.
“Great to hear from young people about their experiences and professionals around some good practice already happening”.
Roundtable discussions leading to opportunity:
Throughout the afternoon, delegates joined roundtable discussions to explore the challenges, opportunities, and next steps for improving SEND transition support and pathways in both their workplace and in the wider community. One message was clear throughout: strengthening connections with young people and fostering collaboration between organisations will lead to better experiences and improved outcomes for young people.
“I am very new to my role as SEND officer. I have gained so many ideas and new perspectives and have a lot that I would now like to put in place”.
What next:
We have collated the insights from these discussions, which will shape our collective next steps and form the 2026-27 SEND PP strategy, which will be shared shortly.
Joining the conversation:
If you are a student who would like to represent the SEND / disabled student voice (no need to have a formal diagnosis), please get in touch with Irma-Jane Caggiano, i.caggiano@kent.ac.uk
If you are a professional who would like to be involved in future events or become part of the SEND PP community to help shape the future of the work, please get in touch: kmpf@canterbury.ac.uk
Resources:
The Guide: Support Available for Disabled Students at University provides practical information and advice about the support available at university, how to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), and tips for a successful transition to higher education.
For other SEND PP Resources, please see our Resources section.