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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.
Up to April 2024. André held the position of DfE SEN and Disability Professional Adviser for 14 years. This involved providing advice to ministers and DfE policy leads across the department on all matters relating to identification, support, and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEN and disability. He worked closely with local authorities, parent carer groups, voluntary sector, health, and schools and colleges to achieve policy goals. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE for services to children and young people.
Prior to this position, André held a range of SEND leadership and professional posts in the National Strategies and local government, and has been an educational psychologist and a primary and secondary school teacher.
André Imich
André Skepple is a leading EdTech and HealthTech innovator dedicated to enhancing opportunities for neurodivergent learners using advanced technology. With a background in bioscience and a shift to tech entrepreneurship, he developed the first Agentic AI support intelligence platform through his company FullSpektrum®. This platform personalizes educational, health, and social care plans, addressing challenges faced by institutions and healthcare providers, particularly for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Under André's leadership, FullSpektrum® secured innovation grants and partnerships with Innovate UK, local authorities, and the NHS, aiming to revolutionize support frameworks across Europe.
André Skepple
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 was most recently the CEO of the New Bridge MAT and Group based in the North West of England. He was previously a senior leader, head teacher and executoive headteacher in a number of schools. He was a founding member of the National SEND reference group and up until last year was the SSATs SEND National Ambassador. Since retiring from his full time role Graham continues to support special schools up and down the country. In his spare time he enjoys travel, going to the theatre and concerts and supporting his local team Bury FC!
Graham Quinn OBE
J Grange is a British international public speaker, musician, and neurodiversity advocate. Despite facing numerous mental health challenges, being excluded from two schools, going to court, attempting suicide, and being diagnosed with ADHD and dyspraxia, J found his passion for music and public speaking. He has also been an ambassador for organizations like Princes Trust and UK Youth. J has spoken for the United Nations and UNESCO, and at the Bournemouth International Centre to over 1,000 people. In June 2022, J featured on 300+ digital billboards across the UK to celebrate being neurodivergent. He released "We Will Rise" with the London Community Gospel Choir as the anthem for the Neurodiversity Umbrella Project. Recently, J was a finalist for the National Diversity Awards 2023, co-founded the National Neurodiversity Youth Council, is part of the Mayor of London’s team, and in 2024, was invited to 10 Downing Street.
J Grange
Jon is the director, consultant, and one of the qualified executive coaches at Backdrop Leadership Group. With a background in educational consultancy, executive coaching, and SEND mentorship, Jon has conducted hundreds of reviews across secondary, primary, middle, first, and special schools. He has extensive experience in school improvement and has worked at state, MAT, and school levels, as well as in Education Opportunity Areas and Wales. Not forgetting the hundreds of hours of experience coaching leaders! He co-authored the nasen SEND Review for the State of Guernsey and Alderney and led the secondary and special schools work for the nasen Inclusion Review for the State of Jersey. Jon researched and designed a 25-hour provision for Pupil Referral Units, and his insights are featured in publications like nasen connect magazine, Sec Ed, and Primary Headteacher.
Jon Gibson
Lois is a Senior Lecturer in Education at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a 25-year teaching career in Post Primary and Further Education. She is a Quality Assurance mentor and the Coordinator of Classroom Assistant qualifications in FE. Lois teaches BEd (Primary and Post Primary Education Studies) with a focus on Special Educational Needs and coordinates the CPD SEN FIRST course. As a DE School Governor at Mitchell House Special School in Belfast and a NI Advisory Board member of nasen, her research interests include the history of Special Education in NI and parental experiences of accessing SEN support in Northen Ireland.
Lois Totton
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 has been a special schools teacher for 28 years, an ICT SEN Advisor for 10 years and currently runs his own business as an Assistive Technologist working in the education and workplace sector. He is council member of the British Assistive Technology Association. He is also an AT training for Neurobox and an SEN ICT Consultant to Tablet Academy and Wyvern Business Systems. Myles is also an International Speaker for the ABLE Summit for the American University of Beirut and A11y Accessibility Camp in North Idaho. He is also the co-writer for the nasen mini-guide on Assistive Technology and the producer of “The Power of Assistive Technology” film series commissioned by the British Assistive Technology Association. Myles is proud to be a nasen judge and sees it as one of the highlights of the year.
Myles Pilling
Dr Sandeep Bodhanker is Director of Learning at a school in Birmingham, where he is strategic lead for Primary, responsible for curriculum. As an Ofsted-trained professional, he ensures the highest standards in teaching and learning, whilst fostering the development of the school's middle and subject leaders. Additionally, he mentors Early Career Teachers, guiding them through the initial stages of their professional journey and helping them to develop effective teaching practices. Previously, Dr Bodhanker conducted four solo world tours performing and promoting peace through art, meditation, and yoga. He has delivered lectures and demonstrations at 32 universities worldwide and received five honorary doctorates in addition to his PhD in Dance Therapy. His research provides unique insights into the links between spiritual, 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 the arts. Dr Bodhanker continues to prioritise cultural capital in underresourced communities to inspire a love for learning, foster cultural understanding and enable holistic development.
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 service
Sherann Hillman MBE
Tristan is Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education at the University of Gloucestershire and Academic Course Leader of the MA Education. He is Editor of the International Journal of Nurture in Education and reviewer for Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Journal, Educational Futures Journal, Journal of Research in SEN, and the British Journal of Special Education. He is Chair of Directors of Leading Learning for SEND Community Interest Company (LLSENDCiC). He is author of a number of academic journal articles, book chapters and books, in the field of SEND, resilience and inclusion. He co-authored the SENCo Induction Pack and the NASEN Inclusion mini-guide.
