Meet Heather
A Bit About Me
I pride myself on having a personal and professional understanding of SEND and supporting families for the better. With over 20 years of experience in primary education, I have supported children with a wide range of SEND needs and helped families navigate the challenges that can come with mainstream education. Alongside my teaching experience, I trained with IPSEA as a SEND advocate and completed further training in Neurodivergent coaching and specalist mentoring.
My work also comes from personal experience. When my own children began struggling in school, I found myself searching for guidance, understanding and support that simply wasn’t available. I understand how overwhelming the journey can sometimes feel. I know the emotional load families carry — the school meetings, the uncertainty, the exhaustion, the advocacy, and the constant worry about whether your child is truly being understood.
I offer calm, compassionate and practical support tailored to your child and your family as a whole. Whether your child needs mentoring, tutoring, emotional support, help rebuilding confidence around learning or support through diagnosis pathways, we work together to find a way forward. Every family is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of fixed services, I create bespoke support packages designed around your child’s needs, your family circumstances and your goals.
My aim is simple: To help children feel safe, understood and able to thrive — while helping families feel supported and less alone.
Experience and Experties
Experience that goes beyond the classroom.
Working Within Mainstream Education
With over 20 years of experience in mainstream primary education, I have worked closely with a wide range of professionals including SEN outreach teams, play therapists, pastoral support services and other therapeutic practitioners to support children with diverse needs.
During my teaching career, I was recognised for my outstanding classroom practice and selected to train with OLIVI as a facilitator supporting high-quality teaching practice across Poole. This role developed my skills in coaching, critical thinking, collaboration and leadership while supporting other educators in reflective and inclusive practice.
Alongside this, I continued to develop my experience as a middle leader, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment and curriculum that promoted both academic progress and emotional wellbeing for all children.
Specialist Training in SEND, Advocacy & Mentoring
Since leaving the classroom, I have continued to expand my knowledge and expertise in supporting children and families navigating SEND.
I completed IPSEA SEND Advocacy training, developing my understanding of SEND law, EHCP processes, and how to support families communicating with schools and local authorities.
Alongside this, I gained accreditation in Neurodiversity Coaching, strengthening my skills in emotional regulation, strengths-based approaches, and person-centred support for neurodivergent children and young people.
After my own children experienced EBSA, I became passionate about further specialist training to better support emotionally overwhelmed children. Combining my teaching experience, coaching skills, and EBSA training, I now offer bespoke mentoring that helps children rebuild confidence, reduce school-related anxiety, and feel emotionally safer.
I also continued supply teaching within SEND-focused placements, giving me experience across a wide range of educational settings and deepening my understanding of how children can be supported both emotionally and academically.
