One Minute with Kim Miller - BELS Interim Director of SEND and Inclusion

How long have you worked for BELS?

8 years (first Cambridge Education)

Tell us a bit about your role

I lead three fantastic teams within BELS: SEN Assessment and Placement, Educational Psychology, and the Specialist Inclusion Service. Together, we provide support for children and young people with SEND aged 0–25. My role focuses on ensuring that we work in partnership with schools, health services, and social care to meet the needs of our young people effectively. This involves overseeing and developing SEND strategies, statutory processes, as well as ensuring children receive early intervention and specialist support where needed. A key part of my role is making sure children and families feel supported, safe, and included, and that they have a genuine sense of belonging in both their schools and their communities. I’m passionate about driving improvements across Barnet and in how we deliver services for C/YP with SEND and supporting schools to develop inclusive, nurturing environments where every child can thrive and belong.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

Making a real difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND. I love working with schools and partner services to find creative solutions that help children feel included, supported, and able to succeed. Seeing positive outcomes for children and families, whether that’s through improved school experiences, timely support, or helping them feel understood and valued is what makes the role so rewarding.

What do you find challenging?

It’s most challenging when we’re unable to provide the help or solutions that children and families need and this can be incredibly frustrating. I find it difficult when families feel let down by the system, especially when we’re working hard behind the scenes to try to help.

Which of our BELS values resonate mostly with you, and why?

Diversity and Inclusion - this value reflects the heart of what SEND work is about - ensuring that every person, regardless of their need, background or circumstance, is valued, supported and given tools to thrive. I believe that true inclusion removes barriers so that everyone feels a sense of belonging and is valued for their contribution. This value guides how I lead my team and how we work with families, schools and settings across Barnet.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of work?

Cooking, playing pool and swimming but mostly spending time with my family. 

Share a fascinating fact you think might interest your colleagues. 

More people die from falling coconuts than shark attacks  

Who is your ideal celebrity dinner party guest? 

Barbara Streisand 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 

Speak multiple languages 

What’s the one piece of advice you would give your 13-year-old self? 

Be your authentic self

What would the title of your autobiography be?

I swear this wasn’t in the job description!