Staff spotlight: Lisa Pinkerton – Head of Education

November 2025

We were thrilled to sit down with Lisa Pinkerton, Widgit’s new Head of Education, to learn more about her background and journey to Widgit, and her passion as champion for inclusive education. From her experience in building accessible learning environments, to working with the team and Widgit community to drive best practice and excellence, Lisa plays a key role in ensuring that Widgit’s resources support users of every age, ability, and learning style. We talked about her Widgit story so far, and not forgetting her favourite Widgit Symbol!

Tell us about your role as Head of Education

I work within the Education Team where I lead a team of specialists that ensure Widgit’s resources are relevant, timely and suitable, particularly for the education sector. We also attend high profile events such as TES and the Autism shows, ensuring that Widgit is visible and promoted. Together, we produce a large number of training options, from live workshops to bitesize recordings. We know that Widgit has so much to offer, and want to ensure that all our users are fully equipped to understand and use it effectively.

In addition, I try to keep abreast of any changes in education and consider the impact Widgit can have in supporting educators in managing these changes. I am fortunate to still be involved in training of SENCos and Early Career Teachers in the local area, which not only helps to keep my knowledge current, but also allows me to ensure Widgit is responsive to feedback from end users.

What made you want to work for Widgit?

I have been an avid symbol user and enthusiast throughout my 26 years of teaching in the primary sector, and was fortunate to be involved in the Warwickshire Symbols Inclusion Project in the early 2000s. As an experienced teacher, deputy head, and inclusion lead, I have seen the benefits of using Widgit first-hand with all pupils, regardless of their background, needs, or abilities. More recently, through my work as a SEND consultant and a qualified specialist teacher for literacy related difficulties, I have seen how adaptations and scaffolds using Widgit can be, quite literally, life changing.

Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have opportunities to share good practice and learn from others. I have achieved this as a local authority EYFS moderator and mentor, and more recently, a lead facilitator for ECT and NPQSENCo programmes. I am passionate about taking an active role in the education community, helping to ensure what is on offer is accessible and inclusive for all. Widgit Symbols sit very much at the heart of this offering, so it really did feel like the perfect fit! When I first visited the Widgit office and met the team, it was evident that everyone shared my passion and their firm belief that all people have the right to understand and be understood, affirming for me that I was in the right place.

What is it that makes Widgit’s offering so unique?

What makes Widgit unique is that our values of integrity, kindness, and quality are fundamental and evident in everything we do. Every member of the team is committed to Widgit’s fundamental purpose, and this permeates every part of the business. Knowing the positive impact we can have on real people’s lives firmly connects and motivates the whole team. I know I am not alone to be filled with pride to work here.

What’s the most inspiring project you’ve worked on thus far?

Even though I have only been working at Widgit since September 2025, I have been fortunate to engage in some really exciting projects already. I have had the opportunity, through events and visiting settings, to engage directly with other teachers, therapists, and families who see the impact of using symbols every day. It is such a privilege to be able to offer them training and support that has a direct impact on their daily lives.

I’ve also worked on projects with organisations outside of education recently, and it is so exciting, having seen the benefits of Widgit in schools, to think about the potential impact of symbols in the environment everywhere. Playing a part in shaping a more inclusive world really excites me!

I am also looking forward to developing a new and improved model of support and training over three-year periods, and working towards making schools and trusts ‘symbol friendly’.

What makes you excited about Widgit’s future?

I have always seen the benefits of using Widgit Symbols for ALL, not just young people with special educational needs. It is so exciting to see that this is being recognised in policy, and by an increasing number of schools, workplaces and communities. The company has grown and developed in response to this need and understanding, and I can’t wait to be part of the next stage of the journey, with lots of new opportunities on the horizon.

What’s your favourite Widgit Symbol and why?

My favourite symbol is predictably, for those who know me, a Scuba Diver! Maybe it is ‘deeply’ connected to my desire to master non-verbal communication, manage pressure, and navigate the deep and complex world of education, whilst dealing with unexpected issues. Or maybe it is just more ‘shallow’, and my favourite (and most relaxing) hobby!