Meet the founder & Director of Kairos ConnectEd

Nicola Bailey (Nic)

BSc Joint (Hons) Psychology & Sociology, QTS, NSENCO, CPT3A, MEd:Special Educational Needs, NPQH, BPS,

Nicola’s professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, well-being, and accountability within education — particularly for those often pushed to the margins. 

With over 25 years of experience in education she is a passionate and principled educator, trainer, and advocate. Until recently, she served as an Assistant Headteacher in a secondary school, where she led on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion whilst holding strategic roles as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health Lead. Earlier this year Nic also became a Fair access partner and has  worked  with a leading  local  charity to support its  Primary  SEN provision to a number of schools across the city. This has been alongside facilitating training and public speaking event son Safeguarding and First Aid for mental Health, Racial equity, Safeguarding, Neurodiversity, and Trauma-Informed Practice.  Recently Nicola was elected as a co-optee to the NAHT SEN & AP council and sits on the board of a SEMH organisation.

Recognising the urgent need for inclusive and anti-racist practice within the sector, Nicola founded Kairos ConnectEd — a consultancy and training service committed to transforming the intersections between education, race, mental health, safeguarding, and belonging. The name Kairos, meaning “the right or opportune moment,” reflects Nicola’s belief in intentional action and transformative timing.

As a former RE teacher with a strong personal faith, Nicola’s research interests include the impact of race and faith on mental health, and how intersectionality can be better understood and addressed in school systems. She is increasingly invited to speak at events and lead training to help professionals build safe, just, and inclusive environments for all learners and their families.

Nicola brings energy, clarity, and compassion to her work. She is forward-facing, solutions-focused, and deeply committed to ensuring that inclusion is more than a policy — it is a lived experience.