Special Educational Needs (SEN)

e: diana.lowth@hants.gov.uk

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Di joined Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) as a special educational needs (SEN) teaching and learning advisers. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, having previously worked for eight years at a junior school before moving to secondary for a further 17 years, working as a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo). Currently, Di teaches English in a specialist autism provision.

Di is passionate about young people achieving their potential and removing the barriers to achievement.

During her time in schools, Di has been the safeguarding lead, English as an additional language (EAL) teacher, designated teacher for looked after children (LAC) and literacy across the curriculum as well as being on the senior leadership team (SLT) in both schools.

e: dean.prodomo2@hants.gov.uk

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Dean is a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and has also earned his Master’s Degree in Education. He has coached primary and secondary schools to develop and enhance their learning and teaching offer whilst supporting senior leaders to accurately evaluate impact through efficient and effective systems and procedures.

Dean’s role as an Improvement Advisor for Special Educational Needs (SEN), involves working with both specialist and mainstream settings to develop practice and provision to ensure the very best experience and outcomes for all learners. Dean has worked as a senior leader across mainstream, specialist and alternative provision, as well as a Manager for Children Services.

Dean is clear that great inclusive teaching, is just great teaching.

e: Lisa.Bitri@hants.gov.uk

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Lisa joins Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) as a teaching and learning adviser for special educational needs (SEN), following 21 years of working in education. She has worked as a classroom teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) in the primary phase and gained experience in both academic and pastoral roles as a year leader, member of the school's senior leadership team (SLT) and inclusion team.

Lisa has worked as a member of Portsmouth’s Inclusion Outreach Service since 2021, helping to build expertise in mainstream schools to support pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND). In this capacity she has worked closely with a range of professionals

• developing training for teaching assistants
• developing guidance and resources for teaching staff
• collaborating with teaching staff to support improving standards of teaching and learning.

Lisa holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Molecular Biology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and SENCo national accreditation.

e: marie.mullins@hants.gov.uk

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Marie joins Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) as a teaching and learning adviser for special educational needs (SEN). She started as a classroom teacher and in later years became the lead practitioner and Key Stage leader in a special needs school since 1998. 

Marie specialises in all aspects of special educational needs and disability (SEND) across all phases of education. Her particular specialisms include autism, behaviour, physical disabilities and language and communication.

She has delivered outreach support to a range of schools, many in challenging circumstances and has extensive experience in developing teachers of all abilities to become more confident and proficient in all aspects of their teaching.

 Marie is really looking forward to the new role and loves problem solving to enable children to reach their full potential.

e: alison.russell-webb@hants.gov.uk

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Ali brings a wealth of experience gained from working across diverse schools throughout Hampshire. Her understanding of various educational contexts is complemented by her background in secondary reading research and development.

For over a decade, as a Lead Practitioner, Ali has honed her skills in leading teaching and learning initiatives, mentoring educators, and crafting professional development programs.

Her experience as a SENCo has deepened her commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where every student thrives, ensuring strategic planning provides the tools and opportunities needed for all learners to reach their full potential.