Meet the Connect and Play team

Our team has a wealth of experience in special educational needs for young children.

Jennifer – National lead

Before coming to Sense, I worked as the lead teacher in a cognition and learning resource base. I loved working with children and teaching them to explore their communication in the classroom and beyond. Seeing a child who previously couldn’t communicate, sign to their parents or play with a peer was such a privilege! I hope to bring all I have learned in the classroom to our services, to enable families to both connect and play.

Birmingham

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Laura – Play leader

I love creating fun and engaging opportunities for children and their families to connect and communicate through their experiences. Previously I was a teacher and I love to bring my classroom experience to the role and always aim to create a setting where children and families feel valued, safe and happy. Messy play is my favourite session, I’ll gladly get stuck in with these activities!

Seeing the progress so many of our children have made throughout these sessions is incredible and I look forward to seeing it continue.

Kelly – Play leader

My background is in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and speech and language therapy. As a play leader I meet the needs of children and their families through delivering engaging opportunities and experiences. I’m also currently training to become a Level 3 Forest School Leader.

SEND is a personal passion for me. I have two children myself with disabilities and support needs and so I share my own experience and knowledge to help guide families and ensure everyone can access the best possible support.

Loughborough

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Natasha – Senior Play leader

Before joining Sense, I was based at a children’s hospital providing play and support to children and their families. I’m passionate about play and the importance it has for children whilst ensuring that play is adapted to meet each child’s individual needs.

As Senior Early Intervention and Play Leader, I’m here to create a fun and creative atmosphere for children and families to encourage play, communication, and development, as well as support the wider team.

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Sami – Play leader

Before working at Sense, my experience has been in education as a teaching assistant with nurture specialism, delivering support and interventions to many children of all ages including those with specific SEND and SEMH needs.

Yoga with the children is a passion of mine along with nature, being creative, and play. I’m also currently training to become a Level 3 Forest School Leader. It brings so much joy to be able to support children and their families in their journeys with connection and communication. Being a mum myself, along with a Rainbow and Brownie leader, adds lots of fun experiences too!

Wales

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Lucy – Play leader

With over 13 years of experience supporting children with additional learning needs, I have worked across diverse settings including forest schools, nurseries, special education, and ABA programs. Now a qualified play therapist, I am deeply committed to the therapeutic and developmental power of play.

My sessions are designed to be warm, inclusive, and tailored to each child’s unique needs. Supporting disabled children and their families is at the heart of my work – I aim to create safe, joyful spaces where children feel understood and families feel supported with care, compassion, and gentle guidance every step of the way.

Bristol

Claire – Play leader

In my previous role, where I worked as a SEND teacher, I really enjoyed planning and delivering inclusive and stimulating activities which would encourage the children to make connections with others and the environments around them.

Through engaging in a wide range of multi-sensory and immersive experiences, children begin to make valuable interactions through their play with others whilst developing new forms of communication – something I always love to see!

I`m really looking forward to continuing to offer these exciting experiences to children and their families at Sense.

Barnet

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Grace – Play leader

Before joining Sense, I worked in 2 children’s hospital as a nurse. I have a passion for supporting children and their families; my previous background has enabled me to gain experience in overcoming challenges and barriers that occur in every day life for children with complex disabilities. I always aim to make play sessions inclusive and as adaptive as possible to ensure equal opportunities are available for all children!

I am here to provide a fun, safe and creative space for play while supporting children with development and communication! I love messy play and bringing stories to life through sensory stories!

Tan – Play leader

Before joining Sense, I worked in various educational roles, including managing nurseries and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). I’ve seen firsthand how important inclusivity is and the power of learning through play.

Now as an Early Intervention and Play Leader, I create a safe, fun space for children and families to learn and explore together. I believe play is essential for learning and growth, so I tailor each session to fit the needs of every child and family. I am excited to bring my skills and passion to Sense to ensure every child can thrive!