Jenni Gordon

What did you do before joining dBs?  

Prior to joining dBs I briefly worked as a Disabled Students Allowance Needs Assessor, and before that I was a SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator) at a specialist FE provision, working with learners who had a diagnosis of Autism, social emotional and mental health needs, and/or ADHD. I have worked across all age ranges, from early years through primary and secondary school, originally qualifying as a primary school teacher.

Why did you first get into support work?

I have worked in education for 18 years and have moved from early years nursery management and primary school teaching and subject leadership, to working in a secondary school, then as a SENCO in a specialist FE setting. Over the last few years my roles have become more support based.

Any special areas of interest?  

I am particularly interested in supporting students with autism and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love spending time with students and providing consistent and reliable support while getting to know them.

Tell us about your proudest career moment?

My proudest career moment, so far, has been qualifying as a SENCO. I have been interested in supporting children with special educational needs since going into teaching and completing the SENCO award was an aspiration of mine for several years before I was successful in achieving it.

What do you get up to outside of your role at dBs?

I have four children and two dogs and am at my happiest when I have all my children home, however briefly that might be. I enjoy reading and crochet. I enjoy listening to all sorts of music and try to expose my 11 year old son to as many different musical experiences as possible.

Tell us something our students may not know about you?

I have played on drums which belonged to Ringo Starr, my parents knew someone who was involved with the Beatles and he had a drum kit which had belonged to Ringo and let us play on it.

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