South West
I would like to introduce myself as the regional lead for the South West of England. I work in collaboration with all stakeholders to promote good practice for SEND across the region. The role of Whole School SEND is to support schools in prioritising SEND in conjunction with families, children and young people. There is so much expertise already in schools and communities which we want to identify and share for the benefit of all.
Whole School SEND's aim in the South West is to build our community of practice to meet the needs of children and young people with increasingly complex needs by strengthening the links between mainstream and specialist settings.
We invite parents, carers, leaders and practitioners to contact us by becoming a member of Whole School SEND community and sharing good practice.
Meet Your Regional Leads
Regional SEND Lead
Emma graduated from Cambridge University in 1998 and has been a teacher in mainstream primary schools, in Alternative Provision with both Primary and Secondary. After setting up the first Key Stage 3 Nurture Class in Cornwall she became Lead SENDCo across the Multi Academy Trust, ensuring that children and young people have opportunities to engage and make the best progress possible in their learning and emotional/social development. During her career she has developed her passion to develop the creative/outdoors opportunities alongside the academic curriculum, instilling a love of learning, curiosity, and positivity. Emma is now Headteacher of Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery, part of Kernow Learning Trust, which is a brand new school with a nurture inspired and learning beyond the classroom curriculum. The school is based in the heart of West Carclaze Garden Village, an eco development, and is a carbon net zero school.
Emma Vyvyan
Deputy Regional SEND Lead
Libby began her career in education in 2007 in South Gloucestershire, developing a strong commitment to inclusive, whole-school approaches. She became a SENCO in 2011 and has since held strategic leadership roles including Deputy Headteacher, Head of Inclusion across a Federation of schools, Strategic Lead for Inclusion across a Trust and Deputy Regional Lead for Whole School SEND. With nearly two decades of experience, Libby’s work is rooted in the belief that every setting can create a sustainable inclusive offer. Her expertise lies in whole-school SEND leadership, strategic inclusion development, and system-wide approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. She has led the development of three Enhanced School-Based Provisions within mainstream schools, creating inclusive pathways for learners with complex needs, and has supported a range of schools to embed similar models and inclusive practice at scale. Libby is also a Lead SENCO for a cluster of 24 schools across South Gloucestershire, working with external agencies, the Local Authority, SENCOs, and staff from early years to secondary. She is also involved in SEND reviews and outreach work, supporting settings in strengthening strategic SEND leadership.
Libby Lines
Deputy Regional SEND Lead
Jeanette is a highly accomplished education leader with over 25 years specialising in SEND and inclusion. As Head of Service for QFT and School Improvement, she leads strategic initiatives to enhance inclusive teaching, ensuring all learners, especially those with SEND, receive a high-quality educational experience. Jeanette’s experience spans mainstream, specialist, and independent settings across primary and secondary phases. She has worked across multiple local authorities, within commissioned services, multi-academy trusts and schools. Jeanette demonstrates a deep understanding of SEND legislation and has led specialist advisory teams supporting schools and settings. As a local authority SEND Adviser, she has extensive expertise in SEND reviews and audits, working with school leaders to identify strengths and areas for development. As a former Director for Inclusion, she has supported the strategic development of inclusive practice across 19 schools within a multi-academy trust. She has delivered the National Award for SEN Coordination, coaches NPQSEN, and advocates for coaching as a tool for professional growth. She has also served as both a governor and trustee. Driven by a commitment to school improvement, Jeanette champions ethical leadership development at every level.
Jeanette Savage
Local authorities in this region
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Bristol
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Gloucestershire
- Isles of Scilly
- North Somerset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
- Swindon
- Torbay
- Wiltshire