Ginny Bootman
Being a SENDCO - SEND - Empathy
At a time when the demand for special needs support is increasing as fast as budgets are diminishing, there has never been a more important time to ensure the quality of school SENDCOs.
Which is why we are delighted to have Ginny Bootman as one of our newest Associates.
Ginny, author of Independent Thinking on Being a SENDCO, is not only a SENDCO across four schools in the Midlands, she also has a breadth of experience of school life as a class teacher, senior manager and also a headteacher.
Or, in her words, 'I've been teaching longer than I haven't'.
As such she is ideally positioned to support schools in general – and SENDCOs in particular – at that important interface between the school, the family and, of course, the child.
For Ginny, the key to making sure that all parties are working together to provide the best educational resources and support for all children is empathy. Communication and meetings, online as well as face to face, are best conducted with an understanding of what it's like for all parties involved along with a willingness to go the extra mile for that child.
Even if that extra mile involves some hard conversations and a willingness to challenge the powers that be.
And more than a few cups of tea along the way.
"You'll be amazed how far you get in other people's shoes"
Ginny Bootman
Recent titles include:
- It's all about the traffic lights – understanding special needs through an empathy-first approach.
- Top tips for saving time for busy SENDCOs
- Building an empathy-first approach
Working to support SENDCs and teachers across special, primary and secondary schools, Ginny is able to bring experience, wisdom and common sense to an area that can sometimes get bogged down in jargon and paperwork.
Her view is that by 'flattening the hierarchy' schools are more able to connect fully with their families.
In doing so, they are better placed to help build the home-school trust so sorely needed in order to help vulnerable children thrive.
Through her highly-regarded book and also her published articles, podcast appearances and speaking engagements for schools, MATS and national events such as The National SEN Conference, The Education Show Wales and NASEN Live, Ginny shares straightforward tips and ideas that save time and energy for all those working with our most vulnerable children.
Drawing on her lived experience s a working SENDCO, Ginny quickly relates to her audience and not only reassures them about the important work they are doing at a difficult time but also challenges them – nicely, kindly and with humour – to be even better.
That's why we firmly believe that every school – and every family – needs a Ginny.
Ginny Bootman In Her Own Words
"THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN HAVING A MEETING IS NOT HAVING A MEETING"
To make an enquiry about booking Ginny please give us a call on +44 (0)1267 211432 or fill in the Booking Enquiry form.
If you have a date in mind that will help too.
We'll then get back to you reassuringly quickly for a free, no-obligation chat to explore your needs in more detail.
We look forward to hearing from you.
- Ginny has been with Independent Thinking since January 2025
- She is is often found on her narrow boat on the Grand Union Canal
- You'll find Ginny's work in our Teaching and Learning topic area
- You might also want to consider Nina Jackson or Julie Rees
Enjoy a free no-obligation chat.
Make a booking. Haggle a bit.
Give us a call on +44 (0)1267 211432 or drop us a line at learn@independentthinking.co.uk.
We promise to get back to you reassuringly quickly.