Ellie Costello
Executive Director
Ellie works nationally across policy and practice to effect cultural and systemic change on behalf of all children who experience barriers to school attendance.
She gave evidence to the Education Select Committee in 2023 and has collaborated with broadcast news (BBC, ITN, Sky News) and documentaries (Panorama) to tell the stories of families and professionals struggling in the current system.
She is co-author of the critically acclaimed book “Square Pegs: compassion, inclusion and fitting in - a guide for schools” and is Parliamentary Vice Co-Chair for the Council for Disabled Children’s Special Education Consortium. Ellie is a critical thinker, curiosity geek and lifelong learner.
Prior to entering the policy, lobby and change-making space, Ellie enjoyed a successful career in the media working as a producer. She is parent carer to two incredible teens with additional needs spanning education, health, mental health and social care.
As a Therapeutic Parent, mental health, wellbeing, neuroscience and child development inform Ellie’s advocacy and campaigning.
Passionate about the potential of accessible, equitable education systems and all services around children and families.
Ellie draws on the power of hope, collaboration and transformative collective endeavour to create solutions which are appropriate and sustainable, carving new landscapes with brighter horizons for all.
Executive Director
Ellie works nationally across policy and practice to effect cultural and systemic change on behalf of all children who experience barriers to school attendance.
She gave evidence to the Education Select Committee in 2023 and has collaborated with broadcast news (BBC, ITN, Sky News) and documentaries (Panorama) to tell the stories of families and professionals struggling in the current system.
She is co-author of the critically acclaimed book “Square Pegs: compassion, inclusion and fitting in - a guide for schools” and is Parliamentary Vice Co-Chair for the Council for Disabled Children’s Special Education Consortium. Ellie is a critical thinker, curiosity geek and lifelong learner.
Prior to entering the policy, lobby and change-making space, Ellie enjoyed a successful career in the media working as a producer. She is parent carer to two incredible teens with additional needs spanning education, health, mental health and social care.
As a Therapeutic Parent, mental health, wellbeing, neuroscience and child development inform Ellie’s advocacy and campaigning.
Passionate about the potential of accessible, equitable education systems and all services around children and families.
Ellie draws on the power of hope, collaboration and transformative collective endeavour to create solutions which are appropriate and sustainable, carving new landscapes with brighter horizons for all.
Executive Director
Ellie works nationally across policy and practice to effect cultural and systemic change on behalf of all children who experience barriers to school attendance.
She gave evidence to the Education Select Committee in 2023 and has collaborated with broadcast news (BBC, ITN, Sky News) and documentaries (Panorama) to tell the stories of families and professionals struggling in the current system.
She is co-author of the critically acclaimed book “Square Pegs: compassion, inclusion and fitting in - a guide for schools” and is Parliamentary Vice Co-Chair for the Council for Disabled Children’s Special Education Consortium. Ellie is a critical thinker, curiosity geek and lifelong learner.
Prior to entering the policy, lobby and change-making space, Ellie enjoyed a successful career in the media working as a producer. She is parent carer to two incredible teens with additional needs spanning education, health, mental health and social care.
As a Therapeutic Parent, mental health, wellbeing, neuroscience and child development inform Ellie’s advocacy and campaigning.
Passionate about the potential of accessible, equitable education systems and all services around children and families.
Ellie draws on the power of hope, collaboration and transformative collective endeavour to create solutions which are appropriate and sustainable, carving new landscapes with brighter horizons for all.