For Teachers
I’ve visited many maintained and independent schools, plus post-18 providers, all across England and Wales. If you’re a school that can offer specialist support and are interested in working together – I’d be delighted to talk.
Independent support
As an independent educational consultant, I’m not tied to any local authority, solicitor, or school group, and I don’t receive any commission for recommendations. That independence means I can offer truly impartial advice, helping parents find the educational setting that’s genuinely right for their child.
Student Profiles
- Autism, autism spectrum conditions, Asperger Syndrome
- Emotional and/or social difficulties
- Learning challenges such as dyslexia or SpLD
- Sensory or physical impairment.
Working Together
Part of our job is to make sure that all referral paperwork is clear, accurate, and up to date, so that when a school admissions team reviews a child’s needs, there’s no confusion or delay.
We have experience helping find placements for children and young people with a wide range of needs; from autism or other spectrum conditions, to emotional/social challenges, specific learning difficulties (like dyslexia), sensory or physical impairments, and more.
We aim to deliver a service to parents and schools that’s compassionate, professional and built on clear communication.
Supporting Families
Working closely with schools builds connections as well as directly supporting families. When we understand a school’s strengths, expertise, and approach, we can guide parents toward settings that truly fit their child’s needs.
Clear communication between schools and families reduces uncertainty, speeds up the admissions process, and helps parents feel reassured that their child will be welcomed and understood. By building these relationships,we’re able to offer families more informed choices and a smoother, more confident journey toward the right placement.
Professional Memberships
- National Association of Independent Schools & Non-Maintained Special Schools (NASS)
- National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN).
FAQ's
We have hopefully answered any questions you have on how we can support schools and teaching staff, but if not – please get in touch, we’ll be happy to help!
Who do you usually work with in schools?
We work with school leaders, SENCOs, admissions teams, teachers, and support staff to ensure children with additional needs receive the support they need to thrive. Our goal is to make processes straightforward for schools while keeping the child at the centre of every decision.
How do you support schools?
We provide practical, evidence-based guidance tailored to each child, including:
- Sharing detailed reports and EHCP recommendations
- Interpreting diagnostic and educational assessments
- Supporting transitions and placements so children settle successfully
Our work complements school staff rather than adding to their workload.
How do you use diagnostic reports and EHCPs in schools?
We review the recommendations in diagnostic reports and EHCPs to guide school placement advice. This ensures a child’s needs, as evidenced by professionals, align with the school’s ability to provide support. We also highlight key points to parents to help them make informed decisions about schools or colleges.
Do you visit schools and colleges?
Yes. We regularly visit schools and colleges to observe the environment, resources, and support available. These visits allow us to make practical, evidence-based recommendations to parents, highlighting settings where children are most likely to thrive.
How do you support parents with school applications?
We guide parents through the school application process, helping them:
- Understand requirements and submission deadlines
- Provide relevant evidence and reports
- Choose schools that match their child’s needs
We also follow up with local authorities to ensure consultation requests and paperwork are received promptly, helping to keep the process on track.
Are you independent in your school recommendations?
Yes. We are completely independent and do not work on commission. Our recommendations are based solely on the child’s needs and the suitability of the school environment. We work with a wide range of schools and staff to find the best possible match.
How do you handle sensitive or complex cases?
We handle sensitive and complex cases carefully, keeping the child’s wellbeing at the centre. We coordinate with families, school staff, and professionals to ensure the child receives appropriate support without placing unnecessary strain on the school.
What Next?
Find out if I’m the right person for you
If you’re a school or professional working with SEND families and are interested in working together – I’d be delighted to talk.
What our clients say
Everything is clear and really helpful.
Lorna works hard to make sure that referral information is concise, current and produced by respected professionals. When paperwork is lengthy and out of date it’s hard for our admissions team to be sure that what we are offering is a good match. But there is no confusion about what Lorna’s clients require – everything is clear and really helpful.
Head of Learning Development, Berkshire
An independent adviser who can help find exactly the right match.
It’s very hard having to tell desperate parents that we do not have any student vacancies, so I am thankful to know that I can direct them to an independent adviser who can help find exactly the right match.
Headteacher, Surrey
Lorna offers a valuable service which is straightforward for everyone.
Lorna offers a valuable service which is straightforward for everyone – legal professionals, parents and schools. She only introduces parents if the school has already indicated that on paper they can meet the need and they have space in the appropriate year group. This avoids wasting parents’ time and raising hopes unnecessarily. Lorna also clearly explains to parents that a placement can only be confirmed once the school has met a child and carried out their own assessments.