Woodbridge SEND service @Woodbridge Trust
Woodbridge SEND Service provides support for the inclusion of learners in 135 mainstream settings, working across the North West. We are part of Woodbridge
Trust. The Woodbridge Team comprises specialist qualified teachers and teaching assistants with significant experience of meeting special educational needs. The
service caters for pupils with a range of additional needs from 2 to 25 years. Our aim is to help settings build capacity to give the pupils the very best support to ensure
that they gain the most from the educational experiences offered. Woodbridge SEND Service works in partnership with other agencies from the wider professional
community both in Education and Health Service. Irlen North West is based in Bolton, facilitated by Woodbridge SEND Service – a proud part of Woodbridge Trust.
Cate Marsden
Director of External Partnerships, Woodbridge Trust
Cate Marsden is a passionate champion of inclusion, with a particular focus on raising awareness and understanding of Irlen Syndrome—a frequently overlooked visual processing difficulty that affects how the brain interprets visual information. Committed to ensuring no child is left unsupported, Cate advocates for early recognition, accessible learning environments, and equitable classroom strategies that benefit learners with Irlen Syndrome and other neurodiverse needs. Cate is currently the Head of Woodbridge SEND service and a former SEND Advisory Teacher for a local authority. She is a Fellow of Manchester Metropolitan University, Cate has made significant contributions to the professional development of educators nationwide. She has played a pivotal role in delivering the National SENCo Award and currently leads regional coordination of the NPQ for SEND with the National Institute of Teaching. As Director of External Partnerships at Woodbridge Trust, Cate builds impactful collaborations between mainstream and special schools, championing whole-school approaches where inclusive, sensory-aware practice becomes part of every pupil’s daily educational “diet.” Her mission is to ensure that support for Irlen Syndrome and other SEND needs is not an add-on, but a foundation. Cate’s thought leadership has featured in key publications, including Natalie Packer’s Teachers’ Guide to SEND, The Times Education Supplement (TES), Autism Eye, and SEND Magazine. Her recent writing explores the concept of “Waiting Well”—equipping schools to support pupils effectively while they await a formal diagnosis. An INLPTA Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Cate integrates powerful communication and learning strategies to support learners, educators, and families alike. Her work consistently focuses on removing barriers, celebrating neurodiversity, and building a more inclusive future—starting with better understanding and support for Irlen Syndrome.
Kath Kay
Lead Training and Development Coordinator, Woodbridge SEND Service
Kath was an integral part of the founding team at Irlen North West and has played a key role in shaping its mission from the outset. With a deep passion for inclusion, she is committed to ensuring that no child is left unsupported. She strongly advocates for early identification and the creation of supportive, accessible learning environments for students with Irlen Syndrome and a wide range of neurodiverse needs. Kath also brings personal insight to her professional work, having first-hand experience of the unique challenges and rewards that come with raising a child with SEND. This lived experience deepens her empathy and strengthens her resolve to make a meaningful difference for families navigating similar journeys. Working closely with Lisa Brabin, Kath manages the day-to-day operations of Irlen North West. Her responsibilities include handling bookings, invoicing, organising training sessions, and processing lens orders—ensuring the centre operates smoothly and continues to provide high-quality, personalised support. Together, Kath and Lisa are on a mission to raise awareness and improve understanding of Irlen Syndrome across the North West of England and beyond. Their vision is for every school to have an Irlen screener on staff who can offer personalised, informed support to every learner who needs it.