Chanté Oduwole is SENDCo and Curriculum Leader for Health and Social Care at a mainstream secondary and sixth form in Essex. With over 14 years’ experience across early years, secondary and post-16 education, she leads whole-school SEND provision, including EHCP reviews, provision mapping and staff CPD on neurodiversity, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and inclusive teaching. A Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), she also holds the NPQSL and is currently completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management. Building on this expertise, she is particularly passionate about how EdTech and AI can improve access to learning for students with additional needs and support teachers in delivering more targeted, effective interventions. Chanté is a former school governor and an award-nominated early years business owner, bringing a strong understanding of systems, strategy and community engagement. She also supports individuals in building financial literacy and multiple income streams, combining her expertise in leadership and entrepreneurship to empower others. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/chanteoduwole/

Hi, I’m Katy Leckenby. I’ve spent most of my 17-year teaching career in special education settings. In recent years I have worked at Ace Centre which is a national charity, where I support schools and services to develop inclusive practice—particularly for learners with complex physical and / or communication needs. My focus is on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). At Ace Centre I deliver consultancy and training to help educators feel confident using AAC and AT to support learner's access, engagement, and communication in the classroom. I’m also the author of “AAC and Aided Language in the Classroom: Breaking Down Barriers for Learners with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs”, which is part of the Nasen Spotlight Series. The book is designed to be practical and accessible, offering ideas and reflections for anyone working with children and young people who use AAC. I’m passionate about making sure every learner has a voice and a way to participate meaningfully in their education. If you're working in SEND and looking to build your confidence around AAC or AT, I’d love to connect.