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We support, guide and empower you to transform the lives of young people with SEND
OUR MISSION
We believe there needs to be a significant shift in how the needs of young people with SEND are met in our educational institutions.
We are on a mission to deliver positive change.
We believe provision for those with SEND should be dynamic, transformative and ground breaking. It should be seamless and support students to be a success. We believe this begins with good communication, and excellent knowledge of strategy, provision and the law.
If you are feeling frustrated with the system, struggling to navigate the complexities of SEND provision and in need of support, we are here to help. It shouldn't feel like a constant battle to ensure every child meets their potential and we can help ensure it isn't.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
As parents ourselves, we know the importance of securing the best opportunities for our children at every stage of their education; including Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post-16. We have decades worth of experience of standing in solidarity alongside parents and families supporting them to navigate the system. We have worked with a number of local authorities, schools and external professionals representing families, ensuring collaboration and securing positive outcomes for every young person we work with.
SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS
We have first hand experience of the immense pressures schools are under. We are also acutely aware that, when resources are stretched, it is often the most vulnerable students who are at greatest risk of not receiving the support they need.
This has never been more important. Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework places inclusion at the heart of school inspection, with a particular focus on the experiences, provision and outcomes of students with SEND and other vulnerable groups.
Schools are expected to demonstrate that needs are identified quickly and accurately, that the graduated approach is working effectively, that staff have the knowledge and training to meet students’ needs, and - crucially- that SEND provision is making a demonstrable difference to students’ progress, achievement and experience of school.
Our support helps schools take a strategic look at their SEND provision: identifying what is working, where resources could be used more effectively and where changes could have the greatest impact.
We help schools strengthen provision for their most vulnerable students while ensuring they are well prepared for the expectations of the new Ofsted framework.
WHY US?
We are a South-based consultancy that is deeply passionate about the education system. Between us, we have over 20 years of leadership experience overseeing inclusion in a variety of mainstream settings.
Amy is an experienced leader of SEND and inclusion who has spent the last eight years as part of senior leadership teams in secondary schools, including as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for SEND and Inclusion. Throughout her leadership career, Amy has played a key role in transforming SEND provision in challenging school contexts, with the quality of inclusion and support for students with SEND subsequently recognised by Ofsted.
At The Charter School East Dulwich, Amy led the development and establishment of a specialist Autism Resource Base, working closely with the local authority and specialist services. This gave her extensive experience in autism and speech, language and communication needs, as well as working alongside educational psychologists, therapists, advisory teachers and other specialist professionals.
The inclusive practice Amy helped establish is reflected in the School’s subsequent Ofsted report, which described The Charter School East Dulwich as “highly inclusive”, providing “an exceptional education”, and highlighted how students with SEND are supported to thrive. At The Elms Academy, Ofsted found that the School identifies and meets the needs of students with SEND “very effectively”, that staff have the skills and expertise to support them, and that “students with SEND achieve very highly.”
Cassie is an experienced SEND leader, specialist consultant and practising SENDCo, with extensive experience in SEND strategy, legislation and inclusive practice. Cassie advises multiple schools on best SEND practice, supports senior leaders and SENDCOs to develop effective, legally compliant provision, and delivers training to education professionals, senior and executive leaders.
Cassie also works directly with families, offering expert, practical guidance to help parents understand their child’s needs, navigate the SEND system and secure appropriate support.
Her approach combines a strong understanding of SEND law and policy with extensive front line experience, always keeping the child or young person at the heart of her advice.
Both Amy and Cassie’s experience combine specialist SEND knowledge with substantial experience of putting it into practice at senior leadership level. They understand the pressures schools face, how to make the best use of limited resources, and what effective SEND and inclusion looks like in practice.
Both have a strong understanding of SEND law and policy, always keeping the child or young person at the heart of their advice.
Cassie Francis Amy Barlow
Educational Consultant Educational Consultant
QTS
CELTA
NASENCo
L7 Specialist Assessor
CELTACE
QTS
NASENCo
L5 Dyslexia Specialist
L7 Specialist Assessor
TESTIMONIALS
"Amy and Cassie were a pleasure to deal with. They put me at ease right from our first chat."
Mum - South London
"The passion for what they do really shines through. A genuine desire to see the best outcome for our child."
R Lewis - Parent
"I could not have secured the provision that my child needed without their help."
Lucy - West London