Speaking

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I’m Nicki Isaacs — author, speaker, trainer and founder of Skills Over School.

I believe some of the most important conversations are the ones we’re not always comfortable having.

Whether I’m talking about neurodivergent parenting, emotionally based school avoidance, inclusion or the realities of building something that challenges the traditional education system, I bring honesty, humour and experience to the conversation.

My talks and training combine lived experience with practical insights from founding and running an alternative provision for young people who struggle in mainstream education.

I’m not here to lecture people, blame professionals or pretend I’ve got every answer.

I’m here to challenge assumptions, encourage understanding and hopefully make people laugh along the way.

Because sometimes changing the way we think is where changing things for the better begins.

I speak at conferences, festivals, community events and professional gatherings about neurodivergence, parenting, education and what happens when young people don’t fit neatly into the systems designed for them.

My talks bring together personal experiences, lessons from founding Skills Over School, and the occasional story that probably shouldn’t be repeated in polite company.

Some moments will make you laugh. Others might make you think differently about something you’ve always taken for granted.

Speaking topics include:

When School Doesn’t Fit
The experiences behind emotionally based school avoidance, the pressures facing families and professionals, and why understanding needs to come before assumptions.

When the World Won’t Bend
An honest, sometimes humorous look at neurodivergent parenting and what families wish other people understood.

The Accidental Founder
How a simple idea to help young people who weren’t coping in mainstream education turned into founding Skills Over School — and everything I learned along the way.

Available for: Education conferences, SEND and neurodiversity events, literary festivals, parenting events, community organisations and panel discussions.

Talks can be adapted to suit different audiences and event formats.

Speaking and festival enquiries are welcome.