Hello, I'm Lynn. I'm an educational consultant supporting all things SEND (but especially SENCos). I have 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience. I have been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCo. I love to write and also have my own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com I hold an MA in Education, NASENCO and NPQH. My particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, SLCN, children’s mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently I started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). All my SENCO freebies can be found here: https://positiveyoungmind.com/senco-resources/  I have a teacher coaching group on Facebook; a group for those wishing to improve their work-life balance in school or who need support in moving out of teaching: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coachingforteacherwellbeing  Looking forward to connecting!

I have spent over 30 years in education working in many different roles from teaching assistant to mainstream class teacher, senior leader within several special needs schools, Headteacher of an all-age special needs school and finally an independent consultant. Alongside the practitioner roles in my spare time, I spent nearly 20 years as a researcher. I completed a master's degree, a PhD in Special Education, presented nationally/internationally at conferences and became a published author of my research. I have just written a book on the teaching of reading to all learners, due in March! I am passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes and outcomes of those who may struggle to learn. I have learnt that it is only through a change in the culture of the adults that we can really make a difference to the opportunities for all children and young adults.

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.