Navigating SEND reform, together
Join us for this panel discussion, chaired by Dr Jon Reid, exploring how to navigate the government's proposed SEND reforms.
The Government's proposed SEND reforms have the potential to reshape the educational experiences of thousands of children and young people, as well as the families and professionals who support them. But what could these changes mean in practice? This timely panel brings together researchers, education professionals, school leaders, parent advocates, and parents and carers with lived experience of raising neurodivergent children to explore the opportunities, challenges and realities of SEND reform. Together, the panel will examine the gap between policy and practice, encouraging informed discussion about the future of inclusive education and support for children and young people with SEND.
Together, the panel combines expertise from research, teacher education, school leadership, parent advocacy and lived experience of raising neurodivergent children.
Dr Jon Reid (Chair)
Associate Professor of Child Development, SEND and Inclusion at Oxford Brookes University, leading the MA Education: SEND and supervising postgraduate and doctoral research. Director of the National Centre for Recovery from Childhood Trauma and Co-Lead of the Children and Young People Research Network, with research focusing on inclusion, teacher wellbeing and childhood trauma.
Dina Sikorska
Founder of ReConnect, Oxford Brookes University's Parents and Carers Support Network, supporting colleagues balancing work and caring responsibilities. Faculty EDI Lead and parent of an AuDHD child, bringing lived experience alongside leadership in equality, diversity, inclusion and staff wellbeing.
Sarah Withers
Founder of myHomeEdPlan and former specialist SEND teacher, helping neurodivergent children thrive through personalised, strengths-based education. Award-winning international speaker and SEND advocate, contributing to policy discussions in Parliament and at the UN Women UK Commission on the Status of Women.
Rachael Falkner
Senior Lecturer in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion at Oxford Brookes University, with extensive experience supporting schools to strengthen SEND provision. Led the National Award for SENCO and developed the Literacy Difficulties Diploma, helping train specialist teachers and SEND professionals.
Nathan Thomas
Chief Executive Officer of Acer Trust, leading a family of schools committed to inclusive, high-quality education. Former Regional Education Director and Executive Headteacher, with extensive leadership experience across schools and multi-academy trusts.
Jules Francis-Sinclair
Chair of Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum, representing and championing the voices of parent carers across Oxfordshire. Parent carer of two children with complex needs, bringing lived experience alongside strategic advocacy for children and families.
Pooja Sharma
Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education at Oxford Brookes University, specialising in equity, inclusion and SEND. Researcher examining partnerships between SEND Officers and parent carers, and the racialised implications of SEND policy.
Nicky Ashby-Guest
Trust Lead for Inclusive Practice, Research and Outreach at The Gallery Trust, leading system-wide work to strengthen inclusive education across Oxfordshire. Leads specialist workforce development through SEND professional learning, Initial Teacher Training and cross-sector partnerships with Oxford Brookes University.
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