Laura Nichols

I hold a degree in Early Years Education and began my career in Early Years childcare before progressing through a variety of roles across the education sector. My experience includes work as a specialist advisory teacher and consultant, as well as roles within the social care sector supporting children and families through Barnardo’s. I have also completed IPSEA’s SEND Law training for professionals, which has strengthened my ability to support families through the legal frameworks surrounding SEND provision.

I have extensive knowledge of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, with particular expertise in Down syndrome, ADHD, autism, and demand avoidance. I am a passionate advocate for children and families, and am committed to promoting equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Being both a professional and a parent of neurodivergent children, and being neurodivergent myself, has given me a holistic perspective and deep understanding of how difficult it can be to navigate the complexities of the education and SEND systems.