Maree is an experienced teacher and SENCo who has worked in a wide variety of educational settings, including early years, primary, secondary, mainstream and special schools, and with Local Authorities as a SEND Teaching and Learning Advisor.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in primary education, Qualified Teacher Status, a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination, gaining the National Award for SEN Co-ordination.

Maree works with senior leaders to review SEND processes and identify areas in need of improvement within settings; mentors and coaches staff to improve individual practice; supports governors and trustees to understand school requirements and their responsibilities, and delivers CPD to whole settings on SEND best practice.

She supports parents and carers to navigate various SEND processes, and NHS assessment pathways and provides EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) case management. She provides specialist teaching for children who cannot attend school for a variety of reasons, such as medical needs or school based anxiety, and works directly with neurodiverse young people so they better understand themselves and how to advocate for what they need.

Maree has previous experience of being a school staff governor, and is currently a trustee for a local charity foundation, sitting on the board of school governors and fostering committee. As part of this, she offers strategic guidance to executive team and hands-on support to staff to improve practice.

Maree has a diagnosis of ADHD and so fully understands the challenges that people who are neurodivergent can experience. With a family history of neurodiversity, she has long had an interest in ensuring children with SEND are able to achieve their own individual outcomes and giving them the best opportunities for a full and rich life.