About Us
Learning Support Academy is a high-quality training provider dedicated to empowering professionals with practical, evidence-based learning. Built on authentic expertise and shaped by lived experience, our courses equip learners with the confidence and skills to make a meaningful impact. We pride ourselves on delivering training that is clear, accessible and rooted in current best practice - supported by responsive, reliable guidance every step of the way. At Learning Support Academy, we are committed to raising standards and helping every learner grow, develop and succeed.
Mission
Learning Support Academy empowers professionals with high-quality, evidence-based training that is practical, accessible and grounded in real-world expertise. We are committed to raising standards by delivering authentic and responsive training that equips every learner to grow and develop.
Our Values
Authentic Expertise
We lead with real-world experience and genuine understanding.
Our training is shaped by educators, rooted in lived experience and current knowledge. We provide honest guidance, practical strategies and transparent communication so learners always know they can trust the training they receive.
Quality Without Compromise
We deliver training that sets the standard.
Our courses are built with attention to detail, up-to-date research and meaningful learning design. We are committed to producing consistently high-quality content that is relevant, engaging and impactful, ensuring learners gain skills they can apply with confidence in the real world.
Responsive Support
We are here when our learners need us.
From enrolment to completion, we provide timely support, individual responses and dependable service. Learners can count on us to guide them, answer questions and ensure a smooth and positive training experience every step of the way.
Meet the Team
Operations Director
Donna Welburn
Donna has over 20 years of experience in the SEN education sector, working across diverse and challenging environments in all areas of education. Her passion lies in creating inclusive learning experiences and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Donna believes that education should be accessible, adaptable and confidence-building.
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With extensive expertise in managing support services, she brings a wealth of knowledge in training and development, quality assurance, safeguarding, HR and governance. As Operations Director, Donna leads the Learning Support Academy’s operations and programme delivery, driving innovation and excellence.
Managing Director
Laura Cook
Laura is the founder and Managing Director of The Learning Support Centre and Learning Support Academy. She started her career in the education and disability sector as a support worker over 20 years ago. Laura has volunteered as a trustee for Citizens Advice Bureau and The Association of Non Medical Help Providers, of which she was chair for six years.
Laura was a SEND Governor for four years and also delivered SEND Governor training to trainee Governors for Leicestershire County Council. Laura is passionate about high quality training and support for neurodivergent and disabled people in education and the workplace.
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Business Development Director
Chris Collier
Chris is a former secondary English teacher, study skills tutor and needs assessor. He has over 15 years’ experience of leading assessment services and managing Assistive Technology (AT) and support providers. He has been a British Assistive Technology Association (BATA) Council member and vice-chair of the Association of Non-Medical Help Providers.
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Chris is a Level 7 accredited workplace coach and has in-depth knowledge of integrating assistive technology into inclusive practice and maximising the benefits of the technology for clients.
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Project Coordinator
Rhiann Pugh
Rhiann is a Project Coordinator for the Learning Support Academy and is passionate about getting the right support for clients. With three years’ experience in the neurodiversity sector, she brings first-hand knowledge of setting up tailored client support and understands the importance of creating effective, person-centred solutions.
Rhiann is known for communicating effectively, thinking outside the box and working collaboratively to support positive outcomes. She also enjoys planning and arranging training courses, helping to ensure learners and professionals have access to high-quality development opportunities.
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Support and Training Administrator
Natalia Krasinska
Natalia manages initial enquiries to guide learners and tutors throughout their journey to ensure a supportive environment, and deals with administrative tasks to keep everything running smoothly.​​