Louise Hickman

About me

I have 30 years’ experience working within the field of education and special educational needs. I am a qualified teacher, qualified SENCo and hold a Post Graduate qualification in Autism.

I started my career in teaching as a Science teacher in secondary schools before working as a SEN teacher. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to establish and develop a specialist provision for autistic children and young people which I ran for five years. Following this, I worked for Kent County Council’s SEND Service for six years, in a range of senior roles.

Through my own family’s experience I have a very good understanding of the importance of securing appropriate educational provision for your child, including the impact on the child and family when this isn’t in place.

I understand how autistic children and young people experience education settings and how best to support and work with them as they learn and take the next steps towards adulthood.

I have a thorough working knowledge of the relevant legislation relating to special educational needs and disability, including the statutory duties of education providers and the local authority.

I have reviewed SEND provision across a wide range of schools and specialist providers, (including independent schools) providing detailed reports, recommendations and action plans for the further development of their practice.

I led the development and production of Kent’s updated SEND Mainstream Core Standards for schools.

I have delivered training to schools, health providers and parent groups.

I strongly believe that a kind and compassionate approach to understanding autistic children and young people as individuals is vital if they are to flourish and make progress in any educational environment.