Meet our Team

The Northumberland IASS Service staff are:

• Alison Bravey, IAS Service Manager
• Vicki Graham, IAS Officer
• Julia McCormack, Admin Assistant

 

My training and working background have mainly been in the area of SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). I started work as a secondary science teacher before completing a specialist qualification to teach children with SEND. I have been in my current job since 2003 when the service was known as the Parent Partnership Service. I am totally committed to making sure that children and young people with SEND have a voice and get the support they need to achieve the best outcomes for their lives. I have always been aware of how important it is for parents to play a central role in their child's education as equal partners.

Away from work I particularly enjoy nature and walking in our beautiful countryside, doing Pilates and Tai chi, reading, gardening and visiting family in Australia when I get the chance.

 

I spent the first 18 years of my working career carrying out various customer service roles within a bank, before retraining to support children in school with SEND. Whilst working in schools I also volunteered for several local support groups helping with youth clubs and fundraising events. I started my current role in March 2017. I find my role very rewarding being able to offer support to children, young people and their families, also helping them to navigate around the different systems to empower them to make informed decisions. I feel it is important that all children have access to education, they are able to enjoy their learning opportunities and they have support to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors especially at the beach and in my garden. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I play Steel Pans in a local community band. I also love animals and enjoy being creative.

 

My training and career as an admin assistant has enabled me to provide support over the years to various services in the public and private sector.

I have enjoyed working for Northumberland County Council since 2005 and the different departments I have worked in have all provided support to schools and young people. I have worked for the Information, Advice and Support Service since September 2019 and find it rewarding, especially working with my colleagues who advise and support parents/carers who have children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In my spare time my passion is walking in the hills or along the beach, playing tennis, swimming, yoga, scuba diving and voluntary work.