HPCI CIC Directors

I live in Hitchin (North Herts) and have two children, one with Autism, learning difficulties and ADHD, who attended a Herts SLD special school, and one with ADHD, autism and Tourette’s Syndrome who attended a mainstream school. Both of them are now in college. I I have been involved in running Angels Support Group since it began in 2003. Angels is a parent-led support charity for families in North Herts and Stevenage who have children with ASD or ADHD. Through Angels I have met so many parents who inspire me with the way they tackle the challenges they face so positively, and I am passionate about getting across the parental perspective to service providers. By working together, we can ensure the services truly meet the needs of children with SEND and their families. I am one of the founding members of HPCI.

My name is Sylvia and I live in East Herts. I am mum to our two children, both of whom attend Mainstream school. Before I had my children I worked for 15 years, qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant. I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges and constraints of Government funding, and I am a firm believer in value for money. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work as part of HPCI. By helping to strengthen parent carer involvement across the County, together we can make sure that money is spent effectively and that services provided by the Local Authority and Health best meet the needs of children with SEND and their families.

I am the mother of three children. My oldest has ASD, ADHD and an (undiagnosed) neuromuscular disorder and my youngest has complex health needs as well as an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder which means he is a full-time wheelchair user. I sit on various advisory boards for disabled children’s charities and the NHS and I’m the SEND governor for a primary school in St Albans. I am also co-director of Special Needs Jungle.

My oldest daughter is now a lively 16 year old, looking forward to college. She was born with Down’s Syndrome and serious heart problems. Mainstream school was a challenge for her and she attended a special school in Hertfordshire and is now in college.

I have worked part time as HR and training manager at Watford Mencap. I am now a freelance trainer on a number of disability issues. I also hold roles at local charities Up on Downs, Playskill, and SEND Friends.

I have represented parents on SEND Reform Steering Group and Workforce Development and currently contribute on matters relating to the Local Offer, Social Care, Education Health and Care Planning, Early Years and Post 16 services.

I live in St Albans and have two sons, aged 19 & 20. The youngest was born with Down’s Syndrome and is also partially sighted.  Both my sons went to the same mainstream Primary & Secondary schools in St Albans. The oldest is now at university and the youngest is on a 2 year BTEC performing Arts course having previously completed a 2 year Landmark course at Oaklands College.

I am a trained Independent supporter and work for myself in a range of different roles including teaching Orienteering in schools and training students for their Duke of Edinburgh’s expedition.

I represent parent carers at Hertfordshire County Council meetings on the Post 16 (Preparing for Adulthood) work streams and am also involved in improving the Herts SEND Local offer website.

We live in Welwyn. Our youngest child, was born at 28 weeks, he spent his first two years in and out of hospital. At the age of 4 he was diagnosed with septo-optic dysplasia, a hormonal disorder, autism, learning difficulties, some physical difficulties and visual impairment. He is also charming and very happy! Managing my son’s needs, including many hospital appointments, led me to give up a busy career in sales & marketing to become a full time parent carer. I ran a local SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death) support group for parents for ten years, and have been a school governor since 2002, at two Hertfordshire schools.

I live in Welwyn Garden City. We have two children the eldest of whom had autism and learning difficulties and attended Hertfordshire special schools and the younger one is Dyslexic and in mainstream education. Before becoming a parent carer, I had a career in teaching and then in Human Resources for a large UK business.  When I began caring full-time for my eldest I volunteered for 10 years for an autism support group. Our eldest child became terminally ill and we then became familiar with wheelchairs, hoists, medication and tube feeding amongst other things. Over the years I started to understand that, whatever the child’s needs or disability, the issues faced by families are very similar. I have been involved with HPCI since it began.

I am currently the Coordinator for HPCI.