Learning Development Department Update
It has been a busy term in the Learning Development department and, whilst there have been a lot of exciting changes, we have been sad to say goodbye to a number of staff who have done huge amounts to develop the department.
This has included a number of Teaching Assistants, including Zakiya Sayed, Claire Hedger and Nana Simons, all of whom have gone on to pursue careers within teaching and two of whom have stayed at Warlingham in other roles. We wish them all the best in their new adventures!
We were incredibly sad to say goodbye to Amanda Aldridge who had been at the school a long time both as Assistant SENDCo and prior to this in Head of House. For those of you who received support from Mrs Aldridge, you will be aware what a huge support she was to both students and staff and how much she will be missed. Tina Needs stepped down from her role as SENDCO after a number of years in the summer and has left, not only an incredible legacy behind her, including the establishment of both our Bridge and Maple facility, but a huge warmth of feeling from both staff and students. Whilst we have not lost her completely, as she is remaining this year to support with transition, we do want to acknowledge all of her hard work and service.
Following on from this, we are delighted to introduce four new Teaching Assistants and Apprentice Teaching Assistants - Phoebe Rayner, Kay Linsdell, Casey Young and Jonathan Mitchell. We have also been incredibly lucky to have our new Assistant SENDCo Sharon Bolton join us from a local primary school and she has already proved to be an incredible asset to the department.
Finally, it has been a pleasure to take on the role of SENDCo from September. As much as I enjoyed my role as Head of House, I am really thrilled to be involved in working alongside our students with SEND and supporting the department as it continues to grow.
From all in Learning Development we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Beth Hunt
SENDCo