Medicines in Specialist Schools – using the opportunity of the Call for Evidence of the SEND Crisis to call for change

This session will include; National Funding formula for health interventions in specialist, three levels of activity and health delegation and liabilities.

Dr Shirley Woods-Gallagher,

Executive Director Leadership, Health & Care, New Bridge Group, Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster, Advisor, Book Reviewer and Executive

Shirley is an unapologetic, empowered Autistic leader of public services in the specialist school sector in the UK. She leads the national network of sector regional leaders for the Medicines In Specialist Schools Group. She is a recipient of a UNESCO and International Federation of Inclusive Practitioners Global Inclusion Awards in both 2025 and 2024 for her leadership. She is a Trustee for the Greater Manchester charity, Respect for All who provide counselling to people who are either Autistic and/or have a learning disability. The charity won the MACC Spirit of Manchester Campaign Award in 2023 and a UNESCO IFIP Global Inclusion Award 2024 for social impact. She is also a member of the Advisory Panel for Children’s Viewing at the British Board of Film Classification. She is also an Advisor for Invest In Play. Her expertise as a writer, speaker, executive director, and advisor has enabled her to drive critical discussions on neuroinclusion from an intersectional perspective, helping organisations and individuals alike become more neuroinclusive. Through her work, she continues to make neuroinclusion an intentional act for all ages from early years right through to work and skills.