KAREN RICHARDSON

Curriculum, Quality & Performance Committee

Karen first began her career at West Kent College in 1990 working within the department of additional learning support. In her current role Karen is Manager of Student Support and leads a team of Learning Support Assistants, Dyslexia tutors, Mental Health Community liaison Nurse, Teacher of the Deaf and Communication Support Workers. The department provides support to learners with a learning difficulty, disability or barrier to learning across all areas of the college from those working at pre-entry through to those studying higher education.

Karen was born and grew up in the Tonbridge area. She studied at Bennett Memorial School in Tunbridge Wells. Her professional qualifications and interests are in the fields of disability and behaviour issues. Karen has two sons who were students at West Kent College and gained qualifications in business and graphic design.

As well as her college role Karen is an Action for Inclusion Facilitator working with schools, colleges and the local authority across Kent. Action for Inclusion is a Learning and Skills Council National Strategy to develop provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. As well as her facilitator role Karen has led on Action for Inclusion projects including supported work experience and provision for those with emotional and behaviour issues.