Our judging panel
Each category is judged by our judging panel of hand-picked professionals who all have a wealth of experience working across the educational industry.
Claire Vuckovic is a Senior Lecturer (SEND and Inclusion) at the University of Cumbria, teaching on Undergraduate SEND and Inclusion Specialist ITE, Masters in Professional Practice and the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs. Claire has a background in primary teaching and the SENCO role, Specialist Teacher (Speech, Language and Communication) and LA Advisor for Early Years SEND. Claire has also contributed to NASEN's Special magazine and Early Years programmes.
Claire Vuckovic
Graham Quinn has recently retired as the CEO of the New Bridge Trust and Group based in East Manchester. He continues to support other schools in the Northwest, its Leadership Teams, Staff and other Stakeholders. Graham was a previous member of the National SEND reference group and is presently the SSAT SEND National Ambassador. He is chair of Special Schools Voice (SSV).
He supports schools in other areas of the country as an Advisor. He regularly presents, writes and blogs about the need to ensure young people with additional needs are fully included in their communities. Graham was awarded an OBE in the recently published Kings Honours List for services for children and young people with special needs.
Graham Quinn
Helen Amass has a decade’s worth of writing experience in digital publishing and content production with a focus on teaching, learning, and education research—primarily as commissioning editor for Tes Magazine, a digital publication aimed at improving the professional experiences of up to 13 million educators globally. Prior to this, she was an educator herself, teaching secondary English. She tweets @Helen_Amass.
Helen Amass
J Grange is a British Musician, Songwriter, international public speaker and Neurodiversity advocate from East London.. He is also a respected international public speaker and neurodiversity and an ambassador for numerous organisations & charities including the ADHD Foundation, UK Youth and the Princes Trust.
In June 2022 J featured across 300+ Clear Channel digital billboards across the UK to celebrate being neurodiverse. He also released We Will Rise featuring the London Community Gospel Choir as the official anthem for the ADHD foundation Neurodiversity Umbrella Project.
In the summer of 2023 J Grange will be joining the Mayor of London’s violence reduction unit young people’s action group to influence positive change for young Londoners.
J Grange
Malcolm Reeve is an independent SEND consultant and National SEND Leader with Whole School SEND. Malcolm was designated a National Leader of Education in 2012 and is a Member of the National SEND Forum. He was formerly Chief Executive of Columbus School and College and Executive Director for SEND & Inclusion at Academies Enterprise Trust (AET). He is Patron of the Centre Algarve holiday centre for people with special needs.
Malcolm Reeve
Myles is a Specialist SEND ICT-AT SEND Consultant with 30 years’ experience as a special schools teacher working with complex needs and 10 years an adviser for ICT SEN with a local authority. For the last 10 years he has been running his consultancy and training company working with families, schools and professionals on a wide range of ICT to enable them to succeed.
Myles Pilling
Dr Sandeep Bodhanker conducted four solo world tours performing and promoting peace through art, mediation and yoga. He conducted lectures and demonstrations at 32 universities worldwide and received 5 honorary doctorates in addition to his PhD in Dance Therapy. His research in this area provides unique insight into the links between physical and mental wellbeing. As a cultural ambassador and member of UNESCO’s International Dance Council, he worked with 35 cultural ministries to build partnerships between nations through arts. Currently, Sandeep is a Primary teacher at Waverley School in Birmingham where he promotes equal opportunities and diversity. As Vice-Chair of a MAT, he ensures that money is well-spent to improve pupils’ and staffs’ knowledge and skills.
Dr Sandeep Bodhanker
National Lead for Children & Families, Head of Family Services Seashell Trust, Co-Chair Parents & Carers Together Stockport. Sherann was previously NNPCF Co-Chair & NW rep significantly involved in the Children and Families Act 2014 and relevant legislation. Sherann is a Keynote speaker, trainer and consultant in co-production and family support. As a parent carer herself to 3 children with disabilities she has many years expertise by experience as well as working with Families for nearly 30 years. Sherann is a strong national advocate of ensuring families are at the heart of all services and legislation. Constantly role modelling and championing coproduction of children, young people and parent carers in the design, development, review, and delivery of services.
