Danise B. Grant
Member of the GEC Circle of Influence
Bio:
As Chief Executive Officer of SEND Parent Partnerships, Danise leads a consultancy founded on the principle of “expert by experience”, drawing on lived experience across family, education, health, social care, and local government to champion inclusion and equity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). SEND Parent Partnerships believe in authentic collaboration—using real-life insight to influence policy, improve practice, and empower families and professionals to achieve the best outcomes together.
With over two decades of experience in education, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a Master’s degree in Policy Studies in Education, Danise brings both strategic insight and lived experience to her leadership.
In addition to the consultancy and education work, Danise serves as a Judicial Official and formally as a Local Authority SEND Panel Member, ensuring fairness and equity in decision-making for children and families. She is also the Founder of Panda’s Tree, the UK’s first organisation dedicated to supporting the Black Down syndrome community and Co-Founder of the Black Child Down syndrome Project.
Danise’s professional practice is guided by a deep commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equitable education, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and every learner’s potential is recognised and valued.
Specialist Areas:
Speaker, Trainer / Facilitator, Consultant, Panellist / Subject Matter Expert, Advisor / Mentor, Cross - sectional Expert by Experience, Educator, SEND Parent Carer, Advocate, Podcaster, Blogger, Community Leader
Social channels:
Panda's Tree - Black Down syndrome UK: @pandastree_blackdsuk
The SEND Sisterhood Pod: @thesendsisterhood
Useful Links:
Black Child Down syndrome Project: @bcds_project / https://blackchilddownsyndrome.com/
GEC Circle Contributions: Strengthening the GEC Framework:
Danise B. Grant is a member of the GEC Circle and a leading advocate for SEND inclusion, equity, and social justice. As Chief Executive Officer of SEND Parent Partnerships, her work is grounded in expert by experience, drawing on lived insight to influence policy, strengthen practice, and empower families and professionals. Her contribution brings a vital cross-sectional perspective to the GEC community, ensuring that the voices of children, young people, and families remain central to inclusive systems change.
