Wellbeing

RSE is a compulsory part of the curriculum for all students. Should you wish to have more detailed information on the programme delivered at DLD College London please email Gareth Evans, Vice Principal (Pastoral and Boarding) who would be happy to book in a one to one meeting via Teams to discuss further.

Pastoral care of our students is a key strength of the College, where we were judged ‘Excellent’ for personal development in the 2019 ISI inspection. We are committed to maintain and strengthen our excellent reputation for nurturing students through, not only the mechanisms within the school, but most importantly the strong relationships between student, staff and parents. Their wellbeing is important to us – happy children succeed in life.

It is the key qualities of care and guidance that are the central components to the excellent pastoral care that we provide at DLD College London. We pride ourselves on the willingness of staff to understand the motivations and challenges that each student faces. Time and patience are key factors and a willingness to meet the student on their terms, whilst retaining high standards.

At DLD College London pastoral care is a priority for all staff; any member of staff who has contact with students is responsible for their wellbeing. There are a number of colleagues who are positioned around the students, from the Personal Tutors, Housemasters/ Housemistresses, Teachers, and the Houseparents (for those that live in our boarding house), as well as the wellbeing team including the Head of Wellbeing, School Matron, the Counsellor as well as many of our staff that are trained coaches.

There are a number of trained professionals who have the necessary skills to ensure the focus on pastoral care is strong. We train all staff in the Mental Health First Aid qualification in order to improve their understanding of the challenges that young people face, and there are a number of certified qualifications that staff work towards to strengthen their practice. DLD is committed to practicing coaching within the school and a number of staff are trained in coaching skills to encourage empowerment of students in their studies and life choices.

At DLD, wellbeing really is at the heart of the school which is where you can find our Wellbeing Center situated on the first floor, visible from the Atrium.

Author, campaigner and mental and emotional wellbeing advocate Natasha Devon MBE, came to DLD to open our Wellbeing Center in September 2018.  The Wellbeing Centre is a place for students and staff to seek advice, access services and feel supported by our wellbeing team and DLD community.

Wellbeing Centre at the Heart of School

DLD College London opens doors to new Wellbeing Centre

We strive to develop the next generation of leaders in a diverse world and endeavour to ensure that all DLD students live and study in a supportive community, building their own self-awareness so that they can take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, and lead others in the future.

For boarders, DLD college is their home away from home, we strive to provide a caring, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Welfare provision to our students extends beyond the school day ensuring that our dedicated boarding team are supporting students in creating and maintaining friendships, and learning the life skills necessary to progress.

Our dedicated team of boarding staff are led by  Emma Finnerty, Head of Boarding. Each student receives support from a member of the team not only during regular boarding hours but at scheduled meetings each week. The Houseparents act as the first contact for boarders outside of teaching hours, each Houseparents aims to be approachable, friendly, and welcoming to support the boarders in their home away from home.

Our Head of Boarding and Houseparents can be contacted 24 hours a day while the boarders are in residence and the boarding staff strive to provide regular and constructive feedback to parents about their child’s progress.

DLD provides medical care and support from our College Matron and our team of first-aid trained staff. Our medical centre provides students with a safe place to come to receive medical care, advice about physical and mental health issues, and emotional support.

Working with the local Heath Centre, the Matron ensures that all boarders are registered with a GP and will assist students with booking and attending doctors’ appointments, collecting and safely administering prescriptions, and ensuring that Parents are properly involved with the medical care of their child.

DLD aims to promote good health amongst our students encouraging them to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices. For more information about DLD College Medical Policies please see our Policies page.

DLD acknowledges that every student has their own unique style of learning and is committed to supporting every child in a way that is right for them.

There are a large number of reasons why DLD is a great environment for students who may find some aspects of learning challenging. The support offered at DLD can broadly fall into two categories; “Whole College Support” which all students receive by attending DLD and “Learning Support” which includes any additional support that students might receive outside of the classroom.

Our Learning Support Team is directed by Head of Learning Support, Kymberlee Biggs.

Tel: +44 (0) 207 935 8411
Email: Kymberlee.biggs@dld.org

Learn more about our Learning Support.

We have two trained therapists on-site who are based in our Wellbeing Centre. Students are able to book sessions or drop in to speak to our college counsellors, and make use of the wellbeing area whenever they feel they need to.

Counselling at DLD

The Wellbeing Team oversee the wellness provision for both students and staff as well as overseeing the PHSE programme, counselling, medical, learning support and co-curricular.