Our Staff

Jennifer Dunn

Headteacher

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I'm proud to have joined the fantastic team of staff and pupils, as Headteacher, at Arc School Old Arley.

Andrew Connett

Deputy Head

With a 16-year career across the education sector I have had the privilege to work in unique educational setting, ranging from Mainstream, Private, Offender Learning and SEMH settings. My ethos to education is to create an inclusive, learner centred environment that contextualise learning and bring real life experience to the learners. I specialise in the vocational education and transforming teams, by fostering a caring, empathic and supportive approach to management.

My career highlights have been:

• As a Head of Education, successful mobilising of the education department in Britain’s fist smart Prison, bring 21 different vocational education experience to enhance the chances of successful rehabilitation.
• Transforming the culture of an underperforming education team, recognised by Ofsted (2021) 'Strong leadership and management have led to significant improvement within the department, reinforced by the care and investment made to the staff.’
• Building an inclusive education centre where 100% of learners stated that they needs were met allowing them to make significant progress on their chosen course.

Being appointed the Deputy Head has been one of the proudest moments of my career, allowing me to support the transition of ARC School Old Arley in its quest to become a SEMH vocational centre of excellence.

Holly Ciuffini

Assistant Head

I'm Holly, Assistant Headteacher of inclusion, curriculum and teaching and learning. 

I have been working in SEN settings since 2015 and have loved every moment. I am a qualified youth worker, teacher and have spent my career working within a variety of settings, from alternative provision to SEMH schools. 

I have been at Old Arley for 6 years, predominantly teaching English and supporting reading across the school and whilst this is still an area that I will continue to support, in June 2024 my role changed to support the school with inclusion and teaching and learning; something that I am very passionate about. Providing inclusive classrooms is essential for changing discriminatory attitudes and we want to provide a context for children to form their first relationships with the world outside of their families. Understanding and respect improve when children of different abilities and backgrounds socialise and learn together. Alongside this, we hope to provide an environment that children can feel part of, developing a sense of belonging and understanding of themselves, the people around them and the wider community. 

I am committed to supporting the staff in creating learning environments and lessons that allow students to reach their full potential, that are creative and allow for exploration, curiosity, and fun alongside having clear links to subjects across the school, specifically our new vocational subjects and the wider world.  

I truly believe that the environment in which we thrive in is based on laughter, respect and understanding and I look forward to you being part of that. 

Kate Harding

Assistant Headteacher and SENCO

Kate Harding is Assistant Headteacher and SENCo at Arc School Old Arley.

Kate has a degree in animal physiology and a PGCE from Nottingham University, and a National SENCo Award from Birmingham University. She taught at a mainstream secondary school prior to joining Arc School.

As SENCo, Kate oversees the annual reviews of EHCPs.

Kate is the designated teacher for children who are looked-after and who were previously looked-after and also the designated safeguarding lead in the school.

Kate also plays a role in the referral and admissions process for all new students.

Mat Dymek

DSL, Behaviour and Attendance

My name is Mat Dymek and I am the Assistant Head - Pastoral. I have been working in SEN since 2009, starting as a teaching assistant then moving into teaching as a PE teacher before moving back into where my passion lies within the pastoral team as a behaviour/attendance lead. I have been working for Kedleston for over 13 years in total, I recently returned to the Arc after a brief period away, which gave me an opportunity to gain more skills and experience to bring back to the school. 

I have extensive experience in positive behaviour management which enables me to build appropriate trusting relationships with pupils in order for them to feel safe and supported. I support pupils with self-regulatory techniques and strategies, developing essential life skills such as resilience, independence and self-reflection so that they may successfully engage in all aspects of their learning and become active citizens within their community. I work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the holistic needs of every pupil are successfully met.

I am also an advanced Team Teach tutor and mental health first aider. As one of the school’s designated safeguarding persons, I maintains high standards of safeguarding throughout the school, ensuring that all who are involved in the care of our pupils are effectively trained and supported in order to keep them safe at all times.

Rebecca Benard

School Support Manager (SLT)

I’ve been working at Arc School since 2010. I really enjoy my job and look forward to everyday. I am proud to be a part of the school community. I am part of the senior leadership team and a deputy designated safeguarding lead. 

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, walking and cooking. Favourite Quote: Every day is a school day!

Victoria Bates

Regional Director