Andi Ellis-Smith

Andi is the creator behind the Social Media platforms Dadda & Daddy. (@dadda_n_daddy)

Prior to becoming a parent, Andi has a background of working in Schools and in the Local Authority.

Since adopting their first child in 2018, Andi has worked tirelessly to advocate for Adoption, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and LGBTQ+ parenting. He does this through his social media platforms, speaking at national events, giving input to research for projects and policies. Andi has also provided support for SEND children and families across the UK and for those who wish to become parents via adoption.

Andi, his husband Darren and their two children were also regular contributors to the BBC Tiny Happy People channel, sharing their everyday life, whether through practical tips and advice as SEND parents, a same sex parent family or through light-hearted comedy sketches designed to help other parents feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Andi believes that representation in stories is vital for meaningful inclusion. He wanted to create a book in which children and families could see themselves reflected. This is something he wished had existed when he first became a parent. His hope that his books find their way into every school library and every home, offering comfort, inclusion, and visibility for all families.

At the heart of everything Andi does has a simple message: it doesn’t matter who you are or what your family looks like, whoever you are, all that truly matters is love, in whatever form.