We often get asked who is Violet and where did she come from, well this little blog will give you all the answers!
2019: The Birth of Violet
When SENsible SENCO first began in 2019, we introduced our YouTube videos with a character symbolising the journey of a SENCO. This character embarked on a solitary path, walking through darkness but accompanied by upbeat, lively music that kept her spirits high. Stars illuminated her path as we delved into various subjects in each video. With no budget for a professional intro, we utilised a free program to bring her to life. This simple yet effective animation marked the beginning of Violet’s journey.
2020: A Name for Our Heroine
In 2020, we decided our beloved character needed a name. We launched a social media competition to name her, and after weeks of anticipation and numerous entries, we settled on Violet Nest. The name suited her outfit and color scheme perfectly. While the competition was meant to find her first name, we added the surname Nest because it resonated with our location on Nest Avenue and evoked a sense of home and comfort—qualities essential for a SENCO. It also happened to be the name of Violet’s SEN base within her school.
2021: Transformation into 2D
In 2021, Violet underwent a transformation into a 2D character, becoming an integral part of our SENsible SENCO logo. She continued to play a significant role in our competitions and blogs, even inspiring a dedicated series of blog posts – which may, or may not, be based on true-life experiences. This transformation marked her growing importance in our community and her evolving identity.
2022: A Slight Change
In 2022, Violet saw a minor change in her skin tone, but her essence remained the same. She continued to be the cheerful, determined SENCO that our community had come to love. Violet and the SENsible SENCO logo were trademarked.
2023: Flipping the Skirt
A slight wardrobe malfunction meant that adjustments had to be made to the dress of Violet, resulting in a short period where she was dressed back to front.
2024: Embracing AI and Pixar Inspiration
With the increasing use of AI in 2024, we decided to take Violet a step further. Drawing inspiration from Pixar, especially with Disney’s influence on our talks—often featuring Winnie the Pooh and the characters from the Hundred Acre Wood—we reimagined Violet in a Pixar-like style. This new depiction was a tribute to the storytelling and animation that inspire many of our educational discussions.
July 2024: Violet’s New Chapter
In July 2024, we announced an exciting new chapter for Violet—she was getting married! We launched another competition to name her partner. After careful consideration, we chose Heath Palmer, a name combining two different entries that matched Violet’s background and allowed us to update her name to Violet Palmer. While Violet and Heath are not yet fully consistent, we will tweak things as we go along and get there eventually!
Who is Violet?
Violet is a representation of every SENCO across the world, originally based on Abigail Hawkins and her purple hair. Violet’s devotion to SEN and her mission to improve school experiences for children are at the core of her character. Often fighting alone for the right thing to be done for each child, she embodies the challenges faced by SENCOs. While she is a jack of all trades, she excels in finding and relaying information in a simple, understandable manner.
Violet is caring and hardworking, often the last to leave school and the first to arrive, preparing for the day ahead. She is always willing to help, never knowing when to say “no” to the needs of other staff, whether it’s fixing a printer or attending irrelevant meetings. She makes mistakes, owns them and learns from them. Violet’s dedication and tireless efforts make her the heart and soul of SENsible SENCO.
Conclusion
Violet’s journey from a simple character in a YouTube intro to a beloved symbol of SENCOs everywhere is a testament to the evolution of SENsible SENCO and the community it serves. Her story continues to inspire and represent the dedication, resilience, and heart of every SENCO working tirelessly for the betterment of their students.