Karen is an Attendance Adviser, responsible for supporting improved attendance in a number of schools. She is alsof our DSL with responsibility for safeguarding within BDSIP. She has a degree in Youth & Community Work, is a qualified DSL and holds qualifications in working with parents. Karen believes that empathy and compassion are key qualities when working with students and their families, particularly those who are hard-to-engage. They enable you to build a relationship that will allow you to both identify appropriate support and challenge behaviours when needed.
Her career with children and young people began as a Nursery Nurse and changed to working with teenagers when she managed a variety of Youth Work Projects across South and West Essex including street-based youth work, Young Carers, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Before joining BDSIP, she worked in schools as a Parent Support Adviser and Safeguarding Officer.
Karen has trained colleagues and volunteers in youth work techniques and safeguarding and ran parenting classes. She is a qualified Drawing & Talking Practitioner.
