The K & A in K & A Associates refers to Kevin and Allie O'Brien. Between us we have over 40 years experience in working with young people and adults with learning difficulties. For over 10 years, we managed a successful specialist residential college for young people with autism and challenging behaviour, which we led to grade 1 at inspection. We share a passion for what we do; indeed, that is how we met -doing a Masters Degree in Special Education!

 

After leaving the College in 2003, Kevin was appointed the Chief Executive of NATSPEC, the organisation which represents Independent Specialist Colleges. He has contributed to a number of national reviews, most recently the Learning and Skills Councils strategic review of funding and planning for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities, “Through Inclusion to Excellence” chaired by Peter Little. After completing an MBA, Kevin took up a post as Director of Development for MacIntyre, a national charity providing education, care and support services to children and adults with learning disabilities. His specialism is strategy, performance improvement and new service design and delivery, in both education and adult social care.

In addition to her specialist knowledge in the field of learning difficulties, Allie is a qualified teacher of the hearing impaired and has a specialist qualification in Autistic Spectrum Conditions. She has 5 years experience of working as an Additional Inspector for OFSTED and has been involved in the production of a number of national publications, including “Staff and Organizational Development materials” for the Skills for Life Quality initiative. Most recently she developed the guidance that supports staff in completing the Learning for Living and Work Assessment Framework. Allie has been providing quality improvement support to organisations both independently, and as an LSIS adviser since 2003, specialising in improving  all aspects of teaching and learning and operational performance.

Together we bring a detailed knowledge of best practice in the delivery of post 16 education, employment and training as well as residential services for young people and adults with learning disabilities. We also understand the planning, funding and policy issues which shape the strategic and operational challenges facing organisations like yours today.
We have experience of working with policy makers as well as working with frontline staff  to support organisations to get better from the bottom up.

 

In addition we have a network of Associates who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to clients' projects.