ABOUT OUR TEAM
Our team of experienced SEND advocates is committed to empowering families and working collaboratively with professionals and educational providers.
As dedicated SEND advocates, we combine expertise with compassion to support families and young people navigating the SEND system. Our team is highly experienced, with specialist knowledge in education, legal frameworks, SEND support, and best practices. Trained by IPSEA, we ensure that every family receives accurate, informed guidance tailored to their needs. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do - we work closely with parents, carers, young people, schools, and professionals to secure the right support for each child. Whether advocating for EHCPs, funding, or school placements, we are committed to empowering families and ensuring young people thrive in education and beyond.
SEND Advocates
Niaomi
Niaomi CEO and Senior SEND Advocate
Already an experienced SEND advocate with a BSc in Special and Inclusive Education, and a MSc in Psychology, I set up the SEND Collaborative in 2022. I knew families needed a new approach to getting support for their child or young person - one based on collaboration, building bridges and creating a real team around each child or young person.
- I’m an experienced advocate of over 14 years, trained to IPSEA Level 1, 2 and 3 in SEND Law.
- I trained at SENDIASS.
- I hold a Level 1 diploma in non-violent communication.
- I have a Masters in Psychology: main focus in school attendance difficulties, attachment and developmental psychology and the impact of social psychology on inclusion.
- I also have a BSC (First Class, Hons.) in Special and Inclusive Education.
- I’ve completed an access course in Teaching.
- I have experienced my own barriers to learning as someone with dyslexia.
- I took my passion for cake and pastries to the next level: I have a Pastry and Patisserie Level one and advanced level cake decorating qualifications! (Might be why cake is so important to our team!)
- I hold an enhanced DBS and completed safeguarding training.
- I’ve had basic training in delivering benefits advice.
- I’ve published research on SEND in the British Journal of SEN.
- My greatest achievement and qualifications are as a mother, daughter and friend!
Gerry
Advocate
As a senior leader for many years in a primary school, I have lots of experience in supporting pupils with SEND in a school environment. As a SEND advocate, I now use this expertise to build bridges between families, professionals and educational providers, so that young people get the support they need.
- I have a B.Ed. (Hon) degree with QTS and an MA (Ed).
- I’ve had a teaching career spanning almost 40 years, which included working in service children’s education, Scotland and various English local authorities.
- I was a Senior Leader in a primary school in Harrow, London with responsibilities including Inclusion Manager, SENDCO, DHT and deputy DSL.
- I hold a NASENCO qualification.
- I am IPSEA trained in Level 1, 2 and 3.
- Alongside my teaching career, I was an educational resource creator online and volunteer for a Parent Carer Forum.
- I am also an online trainer and SEND champion for an EdTech company.
- I have experience as a primary school governor.
Support and administration
Jake
Digital solutions, admin and account management
- Experienced in supporting clients, with a focus on digital solutions and financial management.
- Skilled in website maintenance, search engine optimisation (SEO), and creating and scheduling social media content.
- Proficient in QuickBooks, handling billing, payments, and bookkeeping.
- Certified in Level 2 Youth Work and Level 2 Community Sports Leadership.
- Hands-on experience as a youth and play worker.
- Adept in strategy planning and client account management, always solution-oriented and dedicated to achieving clients' goals.
Emma
Administrator Advocate Officer
I support the team to ensure that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality, individualized care by assisting with administrative tasks, organizing resources, maintaining accurate records, and supporting communication between team members, families, and external professionals. I help with coordinating schedules, managing documentation related to care plans or EHCPs, and ensuring staff have the tools and information they need to respond effectively to each child’s needs. This support enables our neurodivergent staff to focus more fully on direct care and educational engagement with the children.
Amy
Admin support, events and building strong client relationships
I have a long history of supporting SEND families both in a professional and personal capacity, being the voice of calm when you are most in need. I also have a history of working within HR teams but my passion lies with SEND families and finding support for them. I support the team by helping with Social Media Content Creation.
- I have proven experience in formulating and curating impactful social media content tailored to reflect and address current community issues, ensuring relevance to support the SEND communities.
- I support the team with administrative support, providing high-level, bespoke administrative support to ensure seamless operations and efficient workflow, as well as supporting our families by providing a safe and trusted space for them to come to.
- I am skilled in developing marketing, as well as professional relationships, and maintaining these by enhancing and trust.
- I have lots of expertise in planning, coordinating, and delivering successful events, ensuring smooth execution from concept to completion.
- I have extensive hands-on experience across various professional and personal environments, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving capabilities.
- I have a unique perspective and innovative approach to problem-solving, driven by diverse cognitive strengths.