Heather Bailey-Cobb
SEND Specialist & Parent Support
I’m Heather, a qualified teacher with 20 years of experience and SEND specialist with years of experience and lived experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families. I work with parents who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure how to best support their child.
My role is to help you understand your child’s needs, navigate SEND systems, and feel confident in your decisions. My approach is calm, practical and neurodiversity-affirming. I don’t believe in blame, judgement or unrealistic expectations — only in clear guidance, compassionate support and realistic next steps. You don’t need to become an expert overnight, you just need the right support.
Credentials
With over 20 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to support families and professionals. My teaching career included trauma-informed training and specialist SEN support for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more. I was privileged to work alongside educational psychologists and specialist school advisors, developing a deep understanding of children’s additional needs and how to support them effectively in the classroom.
Olevi
My OLEVI Outstanding Facilitator and Coaching training equips me to support schools in understanding the diverse needs of their pupils and enhancing classroom practice. This qualification supports me to work collaboratively with educators, sharing practical strategies and insights that improve learning experiences for all children, while ensuring that each child’s individual needs are recognized and supported.
Neurodiversity Coach
My Neurodiversity Coach Certification equips me with the tools and insight to support neurodivergent children and their families effectively. It enhances my ability to understand each child’s unique strengths and challenges, helping families navigate the SEND system with confidence. This training, combined with my extensive experience and coaching skills, allows me to guide parents in advocating for their child’s needs while promoting positive outcomes at home and in school.
IPSEA
My IPSEA SEND Law training has provided me with in-depth knowledge of the legal rights of children with additional needs and their families. This enables me to advise parents confidently on navigating the SEND system, ensuring they understand their child’s entitlements and can advocate effectively for the best possible support in education.
I complete Safeguarding in Education training every two years to ensure I stay up to date with the latest guidance and best practices for protecting children and families.
"Having Heather as our SEND family advisor has been a game-changer. Their guidance, understanding, and practical advice have helped us feel confident and supported in making the best decisions for our child."
Testimonials
"Working with Heather has been incredible—her coaching helped us feel truly empowered. Her unique perspective, understanding both the school and parent viewpoints, meant we could advocate effectively from the start with realistic expectations."
Working with Heather in 2024 has led to brilliant outcomes for our child, who now feels happier and safer at school. Heather is approachable, knowledgeable, and understanding—her unique ability to speak as both a parent and professional has given us the confidence to advocate effectively for our child.