Learners in Kinship, how do we as schools prepare care leavers for a future of success? — Melissa Farnham
What if the question is not how schools prepare learners in kinship care for success, but whether we recognise the strengths, resilience and potential they already bring? For many young people, educational success is shaped not only by attainment, but by belonging, trust, recognition and opportunity. Combining lived experience, research and practice, Melissa Farnham will challenge traditional ideas of achievement and explore how relationships, belonging and recognition influence life chances. Through real-life stories, emerging evidence and practical reflection, participants will consider how schools can move beyond deficit narratives, broaden their understanding of success and create environments where learners in kinship care can flourish, realise their ambitions and shape successful futures.
About the speaker
Melissa Farnham is Chief Executive of ASDAN and has more than 25 years’ experience across the UK education landscape. Prior to joining ASDAN, she held leadership roles within education and charitable providers, alongside governance and advisory roles across local authorities and the non-maintained and independent sector. Melissa has worked with NGOs, devolved funding commissioners, government leaders and policy groups, and has contributed to policy consultations, governmental workshops, Green Paper development and advisory groups. Her experience spans inclusion, reasonable adjustments, access to assessment, organisational change and partnership development. She is passionate about shaping inclusive education systems that engage learners, elevate aspirations and empower young people to open doors to their futures.
