My Journey and Passion for SEN Education

My passion for supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) began at a young age. My mother was a child psychologist who cared for children with severe SEN, and I often accompanied her to schools, especially during Christmas plays. I loved being part of those moments — seeing the joy, the inclusivity, and how the children would come up and touch my face without any boundaries. I was especially fascinated by the lightroom and soft play areas; those experiences were a huge inspiration for me and sparked my lifelong dedication to this work.

As someone who is severely dyslexic, I faced many struggles during my own time in school. Unfortunately, my challenges weren’t always understood by teachers, and I often felt excluded rather than supported. That experience stayed with me, and I made it my mission to advocate for children with SEN, ensuring they receive the understanding, opportunities, and resources that I didn’t have.

I pursued professional studies, completing my Master’s Degree in SEN education, and I am now a Special Educational Needs teacher and Head of Key Stage 2. My work doesn’t stop at the school gates. I also run SENhubNI, a Facebook page dedicated to connecting parents and families in Northern Ireland with SEN resources, support groups, and activities. Whether it’s rugby clubs, football teams, or family support services, SENhubNI is about creating a community where families can easily find the help and opportunities they need.

For me, it’s all about making a difference — even if I can help just one child overcome their struggles, I feel like I’m doing something truly meaningful.

Katrina Jones, Head of Key Stage 2