Lucy Hayward

Lucy is the Commercial Director for Cavendish Education

Lucy is Commercial Director at Cavendish Education, bringing over 16 years’ local government experience across children’s and adults’ services, with a particular focus on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Her extensive background spans both operational and strategic roles, giving her a deep understanding of local authority processes including referrals, admissions, commissioning, placement funding, and regulatory governance.

With a strong foundation in public sector systems, Lucy is adept at navigating complex pathways to secure the best possible outcomes for children and young people. She is able to foster productive, trust-based relationships across organisations, including local authorities and education providers, as well as families. 

Lucy plays a key role in supporting Cavendish’s admissions teams across the Group and helps schools to align their approach with commissioning needs while maintaining a child-centred ethos. By bridging the gap between education providers and commissioners, Lucy ensures that placements are thoughtfully matched, well-supported, and designed for long-term success.

Lucy’s work is rooted in a passion for ensuring that every child with SEND receives the tailored support they need to thrive.

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