Dr Nicola Preston is deputy head of Education at the University of Northampton, UK. She lectures in inclusive studies special educational needs, disability and diversity, educational mental health and wellbeing and is programme lead for the National Award in SEN Co-ordination. She is adjunct faculty for the International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School based in Pennsylvania. Nicola completed her PhD research in 2021 at the University of Northampton, investigating relational approaches to reduce school exclusions. Before taking up her current academic role, Nicola has been an operational police officer, a primary school teacher (ages 4–11), special educational needs co-ordinator and safeguarding lead in schools in areas of high deprivation. Nicola has a BA (Hons) in psychology and two master’s degrees. She is a member of the British Psychological Society.