About Us
Independent SEND & Inclusion support built around people, their experiences and the choices that matter to them.
Supporting People. Empowering Voices.
Creating Choice.
Voices & Choices is an independent SEND and Inclusion consultancy supporting children, young people, families, educational settings and organisations.
Based in Darlington and working across the North East, we provide specialist guidance, practical support, training and consultancy designed around the needs of each individual, family or setting.
Our approach is person-centred, collaborative and grounded in real-world experience. Whether we’re helping a family navigate SEND, supporting a child or young person to have their voice heard, or working with an organisation to strengthen inclusive practice, our focus is always on creating positive, meaningful outcomes.
Creating Inclusive Communities Where Everyone Belongs
OUR MISSION
At Voices & Choices, we champion inclusion and opportunity by empowering children, young people and families. We believe every voice should be heard, every choice should be respected and everyone should have the opportunity to thrive.
Working collaboratively with families, educational settings, professionals and organisations, we provide expert SEND support, compassionate guidance and practical, evidence-informed strategies designed to break down barriers and create meaningful, lasting change.
BEHIND OUR FOUNDER
Meet Joanne
Experience, Expertise & a Passion for Inclusion
Hi, I’m Joanne.
I’m a Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Consultant with a genuine passion for ensuring inclusion isn’t simply an ambition, but something children and young people experience every day.
My career in education began in 2013 after achieving a BA (Hons) in Primary Education. I went on to achieve the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination in 2016 and have worked as a SENCO across both primary and secondary settings.
Over the years, I’ve worked closely with schools and local authorities to strengthen SEND practice, policy and provision, supporting sustainable improvement rooted in real educational settings. As an Inclusion Quality Mark Assessor, I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside schools as they reflect on, develop and celebrate inclusive practice.
I’m an experienced SENDCO trainer, delivering nationally for Best Practice Network and the National Institute of Teaching, as well as an Initial Teacher Trainer with a focus on inclusion and SEND support. Through my work with SCITTs (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) and as a conference speaker, I’ve supported teachers and leaders at every stage of their careers to grow in confidence, knowledge and impact.
What matters most to me is collaboration. I believe the best SEND practice comes from listening carefully, valuing professional expertise and keeping children and young people at the heart of every decision.
Specialist Knowledge. Practical Experience.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
10+ Years in Education
Working across education and SEND since 2013.
Inclusion Quality Mark Assessor
Supporting schools to evaluate and strengthen inclusive practice.
IPSEA SEND Law Level 3.
Advanced training in SEND law, providing in-depth knowledge of the legal framework surrounding special educational needs, provision and support.
Primary & Secondary SENCO
Experience supporting SEND provision across different educational settings.
Initial Teacher Trainer
Helping future teachers develop confidence around SEND and inclusion.
SENDCO Trainer
Delivering national training for education professionals.
Conference Speaker
Sharing knowledge and practical approaches with education professionals.
Enhanced DBS Checked
Joanne holds an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, providing additional reassurance to families, educational settings and organisations when working with children and young people.
Registered with the ICO
Voices & Choices is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), demonstrating a commitment to responsible data protection and the secure handling of personal information.
A Collaborative, Person-Centred Approach
OUR APPROACH
Every child, family, setting and organisation is different. That’s why our support doesn’t begin with assumptions. It begins by listening.
We take time to understand individual strengths, experiences, challenges and aspirations before working collaboratively to identify practical next steps.
Listen
Understanding individual experiences, priorities and aspirations.
Collaborate
Understanding individual experiences, priorities and aspirations.
Empower
Providing practical knowledge, tools and support that build confidence and create sustainable change.
WHAT MATTERS TO US
Our Values
Equality
Creating opportunities for every individual to thrive.
Person Centred
Placing individual strengths, aspirations and needs at the heart of every decision.
Respect & Dignity
Ensuring every person feels seen, heard and valued.
Empowerment
Building confidence and helping people make their voices heard.
Collaboration
Bringing together expertise and lived experience to achieve better outcomes.
Independent Advice,
Focused on You
Voices & Choices is an independent educational consultancy and is not affiliated with a particular local authority, solicitor’s practice, school or group of schools.
This independence allows us to provide impartial guidance focused on the needs and circumstances of the individual.
Let’s start a conversation.
Whether you’re looking for support for your child, your educational setting or your organisation, we’re here to listen.