Biography | Ask The Senco

BIOGRAPHICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL

About Me

I’m an education specialist, author, and speaker with a foundation in inclusive pedagogy and adaptive technology. As a qualified teacher, SENCo, and former LEA advisor in SEND and inclusion, I’ve spent over two decades reframing how we design systems that honour human potential.

Since 2019, my core focus has been on the pedagogy of inclusive and assistive technology (AT), exploring how tools like TTS and STT can support learners’ autonomy, connection, and attainment across varied educational contexts.

Current Role:

Global Head of Education at Empowering Tech (ET)

At ET, I lead thought leadership on the shifting educational landscape and its intersection with commercial innovation—particularly as we navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I advise on strategic opportunities for edtech growth and challenge the sector to remain human-centred amidst rapid technological advancement.

Visiting University Lecturer:

As part of ET’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, I have provided guest seminars, workshops and enrichment lectures at universities that provided Initial Teacher Training and SENCo qualifications. Since2022 I have been a regular speaker at the univeristies of Liverpool, Bath Spa, Chester, Bedford, Wolverhampton and Gloucester. These sessions explore inclusive pedagogy, neurodiversity, and the ethical integration of technology.

Assistive Technology in Practice:

Through my outreach work with Scanning Pens, I collaborate with schools, MATs, and LEAs to guide strategic adoption of tech tools. One of the most supportive roles has been to conduct case studies, work directly with students, and support leadership teams to embed meaningful accommodations for learners with SEN and neurodiverse differences.

AI, AT & Attainment

My work continuously probes the tension between challenge and access: How can we harness technology to open doors for all learners—without reducing them to metrics or menus? This thinking underpins my cross-sector initiatives in literacy, where I’ve led national pilots, training programmes, and R&D efforts that blend phonics, AT and AI. My contributions include work with the CURIA Dyslexia Commission and strategic SEND recovery initiatives through Birmingham LEA and DLP teams.

Projects for 2025/26

Exploring the intersection of AI and education with a particular focus on ethical, human-led communication design. I believe AI has the potential to uplift learners, support teachers, and offer leaders new ways to imagine sustainable and inclusive systems of learning.

BDA Dyslexia Commission Report
The Foundations for change - 2023

Championing Change for Dyslexic Learners: Through reports, blogs, and case studies, I've helped amplify neurodiverse voices and challenge rigid systems. Each piece of work adds to a growing call for inclusive, flexible frameworks that truly reflect learner diversity.

Article 1 - Politics UK - Curia’s Dyslexia Commission 2023 report. Published on The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) 50th anniversary.
Article 2 - Empowering Tech Case Study

Article 3 - British Dyslexia Association Report Link

Article 4 - Blog for Politics UK
Dyslexic Learners would rather eat Green Eggs and Ham-
Why we need a toolbox approach ...

Article 5 - Blog for Politics UK
Dyslexia and the Levelling Up Agenda - What is the Link?

Article 6 - BDA - The scope of the report and foundations for change.

PROJECT UPDATE 2025
The Curriculum Assessment Review - Interim Report March 2025
Mind The Gap - GCSE Results and the Dyslexia Divide

BDA Dyslexia Collaborations
The trouble with learning to read - 2022

Steady, Skilled, and Thoughtfully Framed. This panel discussion brought together expert voices and lived experience to unpack the challenges of early reading with suspected dyslexia. Through intentional pacing and grounded facilitation, this piece of work exemplifies my ability to ensure clarity, connection, and practical insight. At 1.8k views it is still referenced by professionals and has become a lasting resource for families and educators.

Article 1 - The Trouble with Learning To Read - Succeed With Dyslexia
An Expert Panel Discussion led by Julia Clouter, drawing upon the knowledge of Sue Flohr & Helen Goodsall from the BDA and parent of dyslexic learner Hannah Flohr.
Key discussion points include the challenges of learning the English Language, the suitability of Systematic Synthetic Phonics to support neurodiverse learners, and the actions that parents can take if they believe that their child may be showing dyslexic characteristics.

All Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive and Accessible Technology

Talent and Technology Report - 2021

Policy Connect - My Contribution to this Impact Report
I contributed to the Talent and Technology: Building Bridges to Employment for Disabled People report byPolicy Connect, offering research and insight into how assistive technology—specifically scanning pens—can support employment pathways for jobseekers with low literacy. My input informed a case study used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to better understand the barriers faced by these individuals and how targeted AT provision can help overcome them. This work aligns with my ongoing advocacy for inclusive, tech-enabled strategies that empower learners and jobseekers alike.