Who we are

digbies is a group formed from psds, a charity whose principal goal is to provide support for children with Down syndrome and their families. Early in 2008 psds launched digbies – our weekly term-time development group.

digbies stands for “developing individual growth by imaginative play, education and speech”. The weekly sessions (which take place on a Friday and are divided in to a morning group and an afternoon group) are held at Lloyd Hall in Outwood and are of great benefit not only to the children who take part but also parents who can experience first hand new ways to encourage and aid development in specific areas such as speech and language, early education and social interaction.

The group is led by Jenny Ward. Jenny is a retired headteacher with a Bachelor of education degree and an Operational Management level 5 award. She is also a volunteer Portage home visitor.

During her teaching career Jenny taught all ages from 2 years to 11 years of age whilst her specialism is in early years teaching. Most of her experience has been in schools with significant numbers of children with additional needs with a requirement for  very structured and differentiated planning and teaching.

Jenny has also trained teachers and learning support assistants at all levels.

Since becoming involved in digbies Jenny has undertaken a number of courses at the Sarah Duffen centre (Down Syndrome Education International) in Portsmouth to enhance her teaching skills and understanding of some of the excellent ways we can support children with Down syndrome.

As grandmother to Sam, who has Down syndrome, Jenny's passion to help our children is both personal as well as professional. 

If your child (aged 18 months or over) is not already attending digbies and you are interested in discussing a place for them please email:

Jenny@digbies.com

Or contact the psds committe on:

committee@psds.info.