ABOUT ME

Hello, I’m Nicola, the founder of Guiding SEND Families.

I am an Independent SEND Advocate, Consultant, and Mentor with 19 years of experience supporting children, young people, adults, and families across education, alternative provision, further education, and community-based support services.

My work focuses on helping families understand SEND processes, navigate education systems, and secure appropriate support for children and young people with additional needs.

Lived Experience

Alongside my professional background, I bring lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children.

I also have ADHD and dyslexia, which provides additional insight into neurodiversity, communication differences, and the day-to-day challenges families can face when navigating education systems and support services.

This combination of professional and lived experience informs a practical, grounded, and empathetic approach to my work.

Training

I have completed IPSEA SEND Law Training Levels 1, 2 and 3, including training covering SEND processes, EHCPs, appeals, and Tribunal procedures.

I also hold additional professional training in Level 3 Designated Safeguarding lead,  through OSCP, Mental Health First Aider, Communication support, Behaviour, and Child Development.

I continue to engage in ongoing professional learning, particularly in Autism, ADHD, PDA profiles and SEMH needs.

Professional Credentials

I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate and professional insurance, providing reassurance to families accessing my services.

      Professional Experience

I have worked across a range of education and support settings, including:

  • Managing and running an Alternative Provision setting

  • Working as a Learning Support Assistant within Further Education

  • Supporting adults with learning disabilities in educational and community settings

  • Facilitating and delivering parenting programmes

  • Supporting SEND families at RAF Brize Norton for two years

  • Supporting children and young people with additional needs across education and community settings

  • Providing mentoring and structured support for young people

  • Supporting young people with transition into adulthood, including independence skills and preparation for post-16 pathways

This experience has given me a practical, real-world understanding of education systems, SEND processes, and the barriers families often face in accessing appropriate support.

My Approach

AT Guiding SEND Families, I believe that every child, young person and family deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. No two families are the same, which is why I provided a Personalised approach that is shaped around your individual circumstances, priorities, and goals.

My approach is:

  • Person-centred

  • Strengths-based

  • Practical and realistic

  • Non-judgemental

  • Focused on meaningful outcomes

I believe every child and young person has individual strengths, needs, and potential, and that families deserve clear, honest and supportive guidance to help them make informed decisions.

I work collaboratively with families and young people to help them understand their options, navigate systems, and move towards positive, achievable outcomes.

My Goal

My goal is simple: To help families and young people feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate SEND and education journeys, and to support meaningful progress towards independence, stability, and opportunity.