Announcing our Autumn Term SENDcast Sessions

Richard Daniel Curtis is a globally recognised expert in social, emotional and mental health, with a background in education, psychology and social care. He founded The Root Of It Group in 2013 to address barriers to progress, with initiatives including The Mentoring School and the Association for Mental Health in Education. Richard’s work, including his Social and Emotional Skills Assessment tool, has influenced millions across five continents. He has authored 13 books, helped write England’s mental health curriculum guidance, and chairs several national awards in mental health and SEND.

Gary Aubin leads a national SEND School Improvement programme with Whole Education and sits on the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review panel. As the Education Endowment Foundation’s SEND Associate, he shares evidence on high-quality teaching for SEND and helped shape the SENCO NPQ. A former SENDCO, teacher, and Head of Year, Gary previously led SEND across a Multi Academy Trust. As a consultant, he has advised the BBC, spoken internationally, and authored The Lone SENDCO, The Parent’s Guide to SEND, and the SEND Matters UK blog.

Lou Barnes spent 20 years as a dedicated primary school teacher, but grew frustrated seeing bright children struggle with reading and writing despite support. Determined to find a better way, she left teaching to study Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), where she discovered how working with the subconscious mind could unlock learning. Combining NLP and her classroom experience, she created a two-part process that has transformed how dyslexic learners build confidence and essential skills. Through her business, Unlock Learning, she now supports individuals one-to-one and is passionate about sharing this life-changing approach widely.