Nikki is a Speech and Language Therapist with 21 years in the NHS developing specialist skills in Autism from a wide ranging paediatric background including Sure Start & Hearing Impairment. She is committed to evidence based practice and works as a part-time university lecturer focusing on how research underpins good practice.
Nikki led the service redesign in 2006 to integrate provision within schools & settings in South Tees - a significant move away from traditional clinic based therapy. This was recognised & highlighted as good practice in the Bercow review.
Managing paediatric therapy services through the SEND reforms leading up to 2014, Nikki developed expertise in the new legislation and was able to transfer that knowledge into the role of Head of SEND in North Yorkshire.
Having a background in Health & the understanding of language & culture in Health, Nikki was able to develop robust & effective working partnerships with colleagues in both the Local Authority and the NHS.
The underpinning ethos behind Nikki's work is a drive to improve & develop services for disabled & disadvantaged children & their families & to look at how services can work more effectively together to meet their needs.
Nikki and Alison met in North Yorkshire and SEN-Experts developed from their drive to improve & develop services & provision through:
- training & development of staff across the children’s workforce
- redesigning services to best meet the needs of children and young people in whichever context those services are based.
- facilitating sharing of knowledge, skills & experience so that the best placed people have the right tools to support children and young people with SEND