Niall Smalley

Niall is an Advanced Practitioner on the Skills for Inclusion Pathway at Royal College Manchester.

Niall joined Seashell after graduating from Lancaster University with a degree in Biology with Psychology. Niall started as a part-time volunteer on both the Sensory and Skills for Life & Work Pathways but his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting students in education resulted in him officially joining the team in September 2013.

Niall quickly developed a passion for teaching learners with autism and this led to him undertaking his teacher training qualification in 2014.  As a teacher, Niall championed inclusion for his students and helped them to meet their full potential regarding daily life skills and vocational capabilities. Niall strongly believes in collaborating with learners’ families and ensuring the transference of learning beyond the classroom.

In 2020, Niall completed his Masters in Autism: Adult Status where his research focused on reducing barriers to learning to achieve positive outcomes for learners with autism. Niall currently works with the National Autistic Society, as well as other professionals onsite, to oversee the College’s Autism Accreditation process and ensure the effective delivery of autism focussed strategies.

Niall joined the management team in 2021 and now oversees Recruitment and Retention for the wider College, in addition to leading the Skills for Inclusion Pathway. Niall also supports college development through his role as Teacher Governor.

Outside of work, Niall has an active social life and enjoys spending time with his friends and family. Niall is a member of a Manchester based Ten Pin Bowling Team and is currently working on beating his best score of 174!  Niall is an avid reader and is usually reading at least two books at any point. For the past 7 years, Niall has been involved with a national charity which provides summer holidays to over a 100 children with additional needs.