Meet Our Team!

Hirstwood Training are a growing, dynamic and enthusiastic team of expert consultants, whose mission it is to share the very best sensory approaches to breaking down barriers to learning for all pupils with SEND.

Our expertise is based upon experience. All of our associate consultants are expert practitioners in their specific field; they are passionate about what they do and have a vast knowledge and a plethora of practical ideas and strategies to share with you.

Our training is empowering, creative, inspiring, confidence-boosting, innovative – and FUN!

We work with special schools; EYFS services/providers; mainstream schools and those with specialist provision; adult services/providers for adults with a learning disability; adult special education colleges and transition services.

We deliver services within the UK and worldwide. This year we have delivered training in New Zealand; with a trip later this year to the UAE. We have previously delivered training in Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Malta and Singapore,

Lead Consultant and Founder of Hirstwood Training: Sensory Specialist

Richard Hirstwood is the founder of and lead consultant for Hirstwood Training. He is passionate about enabling educators/practitioners to maximise…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Behaviour Specialist

Clive has a long association with Hirstwood Training and has well over 30 years’ experience working with children and adults…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Autism Specialist

Chris Barson founded Positive About Autism in January 2009. Prior to that he was External Training Manager for the National…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Technology Specialist

Carol Allen is an education advisor for ICT and Inclusion, currently offering specialised support to Local Authorities, schools, parents and…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Teaching and Sensory Specialist

Julie has worked in Special Education for thirty seven years. Her main area of specialism and passion is in Sensory…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Teaching and Visual Specialist

Helen has been a SEN practitioner for twenty one years working at Fountaindale Special School for children and young adults…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Literacy Specialist

Dr Sarah Moseley has over 25 years’ experience of working in special and mainstream education, in roles from teaching assistant…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Curriculum Specialist

Nick Sheffield is a specialist advisory teacher in London. Nick was part of the Expert Rochford Review Group which produced…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Rapport Based Communication Specialist

Matt Laurie is a highly experienced Music Specialist, Rapport-Based Communication and Intensive Interaction Consultant, Community Artist, Social Learning Leader and…

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Hirstwood Training Associate: Numeracy Specialist

Les Staves has worked with very special children since 1973 and was head teacher of Turnshaws, an outstanding special school…

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