James Taylor is the Inclusion Lead for Crofty Education Trust, working at trust level to strengthen provision, systems, and practice for children with SEND and those who are disadvantaged. James has extensive experience across the primary sector, having worked as a class teacher, SENCo, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, and Headteacher in a range of contexts, including small rural schools, one-form-entry schools, and large urban settings. He has also undertaken extended work within specialist provision. This breadth of experience informs his trust-level work, enabling him to balance strategic oversight with a clear understanding of classroom practice. He holds a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and is currently completing a Doctorate (EdD), focusing on how the Early Career Framework develops new teachers’ practice in teaching children with SEND in mainstream classrooms. His research has recently informed national discussions with the Department for Education relating to SEND in teacher education. James plays an active role in national and regional SEND leadership development. He is the Lead Facilitator for the first cohort on the NPQSENDCo and is an NPQ Marker for Newcastle University. In addition, he sits on the National SEND and Alternative Provision Sector Council for the National Association of Head Teachers contributing to policy consultation, professional dialogue, and sector advocacy. Alongside his trust and sector roles, James contributes to professional learning beyond Crofty. He delivers trust-wide and regional training, supports SEND leadership development, and is a guest lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire. James has also led and contributed to school-based research projects exploring inclusive access to learning, working with national and international partners including Microsoft, the Education Endowment Foundation, and Achievement for All. He is a strong advocate for cross-trust and system-wide collaboration for the benefit of all children and families.