Shaun Thompson is a senior lecturer in initial teacher education (ITE) at Bishop Grosseteste University. He leads on mathematics and special educational needs and inclusion across the postgraduate teacher education programme. He also leads on the school-based training aspects of initial teacher education across the primary programmes. His research interests focus on supporting autistic children with mathematical problem-solving, with a specific focus on the use of the bar model. In addition to this, Shaun has been involved in international research projects focussing on the wellbeing of trainee teachers. He has presented his work both nationally and internationally to a range of audiences. Prior to working in higher education, Shaun has worked in many different schools, including mainstream and special settings, as a teacher, deputy head teacher and head teacher.