We recently opened our newest SEMH education service Cambian Great Dunmow School in Essex with Carrie-Ann Gibbs at the helm as its new Head Teacher.
Carrie-Ann has an extensive background in mental health and education, specialising in SEMH, and is passionate about creating educational environments where every student can flourish and feel appreciated. We met up with Carrie to find out more about our new Head and her plans for the school:
What type of children and how many will Great Dunmow support?
Great Dunmow School is registered for 25 students, aged 11 to 19, with a primary diagnosis of SEMH. However, depending on presentation, compatibility with the existing cohort, and detailed assessment procedures, young people with ASD, FASD etc, may be considered for placement.
How will the school support young people with their emotional, social and mental health needs?
The school has an experienced team of trauma informed staff, who are available to support students when required, with Key Worker sessions scheduled every day to support the development of emotional literacy.
How will the school support young people with their academic progress?
Whilst the school follows the National Curriculum, the academic content can be adapted and individualised to meet the specific needs of each student. Great Dunmow School is in the process of being registered as an NCFE examination centre, and learners will also have access to a wide range of accredited unit awards through AQA.
How will the school measure their outcomes?
Following a wide-ranging diagnostic baseline assessment process, addressing both academic and emotional capabilities, outcomes will be measured by means of a range of interim formative and summative assessments (including examinations).
What makes Great Dunmow stand out as a school?
Aside from the previously mentioned academic strategies and protocols, the overarching, stand out element of Great Dunmow School is a staff group who care, and are focused on providing positive outcomes for our learners.
What are you looking forward to the most about your role as Headteacher and what are your aspirations for the school?
To provide an education environment that provides outstanding outcomes for the young people we support, a workplace where staff can flourish and feel appreciated, and subsequently have that recognised by an ‘Outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted.
For information about Cambian Great Dunmow School and find out about more about our Cambian education services, visit the Cambian Group website here.