Up to April 2024. André  held the position of DfE SEN and Disability Professional Adviser for 14 years. This has involved providing advice to ministers and DfE policy leads across the department on all matters relating to identification, support, and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEN and disability. He worked closely with local authorities, parent carer groups, voluntary sector, health, and schools and colleges to achieve policy goals. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE for services to children and young people.

Prior to this position, André held a range of SEND leadership and professional posts in the National Strategies and local government, and has been an educational psychologist and a primary and secondary school teacher.