About Us

Be Human | Be Kind | Be Open | Be Curious | Take Responsibility ​| Do Your Best

Our goal is to ensure that Everyone has the Basic and Essential Skills needed for Fulfilling Lives.

The Ripe Learning Way

The Ripe Learning Way

We support people through the development of the English Language, Maths, Digital and Essential workplace skills they need in order to progress into further education, employment, career advancement and fulfilling community engagement in their personal lives.  
 
Our culture is learner centred with flexibility to meet the everyday life demands faced by learners. We’re proud to provide excellent learning support and personal well-being for learners. 
 
With creative approaches to engaging our learners and team of highly talented staff, who are not afraid to do things differently. We prepare learners to exceed goals and meet their full potential through an innovative approach to accessible teaching, learning and assessing knowledge and skills.
 
Our innovative approach to inclusive, accessible education recognises the apprehensions learners may have about adult education. Our small class sizes and creative approaches to teaching mean students can learn in an encouraging, confidence building environment with teaching and materials adapted to suit the class’ needs and interests.  
 
We recognise our learners may have childcare/caring responsibilities and additional support needs. We aim to provide a flexible schedule and specialised support to ensure all our learners meet their fullpotential.  
Pre - Enrollment
We’re here to offer advice and guidance to all learners before they enrol, making sure any extra support needs are identified early. It’s important to us that this doesn’t impact their chances of being offered a place on the course. Every learner will complete the BKSB Initial and Diagnostic Assessments, and a staff member will work on creating an Individual Learning Plan to match their needs. The BKSB Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Indicators also help spot learners who might benefit from a more detailed assessment by specialists. We also use a simple Learning Styles Assessment to figure out how learners prefer to learn— whether it’s Visual, Auditory, or Kinaesthetic. This helps us provide the right resources to match their learning style. We make every effort to use pre-enrolment information from learners or agencies to ensure effective enrolment, induction, and support, which positively impacts retention and achievement.
Face to Face & Remote Learning Support
We offer both face-to-face and online learning, ensuring flexibility for all learners. We provide laptops and data plans to support effective study and use a mix of digital and print materials to make learning engaging and accessible. We also help learners understand the power of their networks and how to use them to open new social and career opportunities. Our courses equip learners with practical skills, including math, to confidently navigate life and work, preparing them for new jobs and career advancement in various sectors.
Additional Learning Support
At Ripe Learning, we’re committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all. Our additional learning support policy helps remove barriers by providing resources and adjustments for learners with additional needs. We continuously review our support to ensure it enhances both achievement and well-being.
Identifying Learner Needs
Learners are encouraged to share any learning needs at any stage of their journey and can request support anytime. Skills and neurodiversity assessments take place during the Initial Assessment, helping shape each learner’s Individual Learning Plan. Tutors and support staff can also identify potential support needs and refer learners for additional help.
Supporting Identified Learning Needs
Once a learner’s need is identified, the relevant staff will confirm the additional support required. Support strategies include: Differentiated teaching in terms of time, delivery methods, and inclusive learning materials. Additional learning support on a one-on-one basis. Assistive equipment or adaptations when needed. Coping strategies and awareness resources to help learners manage effectively.
Staff Training
Ripe Learning is dedicated to ensuring that all teaching and support staff receive the appropriate training, with inclusive teaching practices integrated into every strategy. We make sure all staff are aware of their responsibilities and can incorporate inclusive learning into their teaching. Regular training and resources in various formats are provided to keep staff informed and up to date.
Quality and Monitoring
We are committed to maintaining high standards by continuously monitoring and evaluating the quality of our teaching and support services. We ensure that all learners receive the best possible experience, with regular assessments and feedback loops in place to identify areas for improvement and ensure consistent progress. This helps us refine our strategies and ensure that our learners’ needs are being met effectively.
Coverage and Scope: Disclosure and Confidentality
In line with the Equality Act 2010 and our Equality and Diversity Policy, we are committed to anticipating and addressing individual learner needs by making reasonable adjustments. We ensure that any information about a learner’s needs is kept confidential and cannot be shared with third parties without explicit informed consent. If a learner requests complete confidentiality, their information will not be shared within Ripe Learning or with external agencies. However, once a learning need is disclosed, Ripe Learning is considered aware of the learner’s additional needs.
Other Support
We take a holistic approach to supporting our learners, recognising that barriers to learning can arise from various factors such as socioeconomic challenges, emotional distress, and physical or mental health issues. To help address these, we offer a range of support services, including: Laptops and/or data plans for learners in need throughout the course. Assistance in connecting learners with local support and advice agencies. Help with completing Universal Credit applications. Extended deadlines for learners facing extenuating circumstances.

Case Studies

International 'Solidarity Knows No Borders'

As part of Solidarity Knows No Borders week of action, we spoke to Peruvian migrant and Ripe Learning student Celeste Cardenas about her solidarity work at the Latin American Disabled People’s Project (LADPP), the sisterhood she found at the Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS), and how Latin American communities in London are supporting each other through the hostile environment. 

Celeste, interviewed by her Ripe Learning ESOL tutor, Annie Dobson, reflected on the resilience and sisterhood she has found within these communities in the face of adversity. 

Learner Interview: Celeste Cardenas

Interviewer: Hi Celeste! Thanks for joining me. How is being a Peruvian migrant in London different from Italy? 

Celeste: London has a much larger Latin American community and more multiculturalism. In Italy, we only gathered for national holidays, but here, there’s more support and community. 

Interviewer: When did you get involved with LADPP? 

Celeste: My daughter gave me a list of Latin American organisations when I arrived in the UK, and LADPP was the first. I started learning English right away. 

Interviewer: Does LADPP help with accessing services? 

Celeste: Yes, they help with legal documents, funds, and support in English, which is really helpful since many of us aren’t confident in the language. 

Interviewer: What other organisations are you involved in? 

Celeste: I also work with Latin American Women’s Aid (LAWA), Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS), and IRMO. 

Interviewer: What do you do at LAWA? 

Celeste: We have an English conversation group where we also learn about different cultures. It’s a safe space to share our experiences and support each other. 

Interviewer: What does solidarity mean to you? 

Celeste: Solidarity means working together and supporting each other. It starts with education, empathy, and respect. We need to listen, learn, and help those who face difficult realities. 

Interviewer: Anything you’d like to see Ripe Learning do to show solidarity? 

Celeste: I’d like workshops on practical topics like the energy crisis and housing. It would be a great way to learn English and support each other. 

Interviewer: Thank you, Celeste! 

In response to the hostile environment, solidarity in London’s Latin American community is alive and strong. From connecting people with resources to creating safe spaces for learning and sharing experiences, Celeste’s story highlights how community care and resistance are essential for migrants and refugees in the UK. 

Meet The Team

Picture of Anthony  Djondo

Anthony Djondo

Director

Picture of Meltem Ilkan

Meltem Ilkan

Learning Development Manager / Safeguarding Lead

Picture of Ovgu Adatas

Ovgu Adatas

Deputy Learning Development Manager / Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Picture of Melissa Huertas

Melissa Huertas

Performance Manager

Picture of Ana Martins

Ana Martins

Learner Recruitment / Programmes
Co-ordinator

Picture of Lucas Da Silva

Lucas Da Silva

Project Officer

Picture of Daniela Brito

Daniela Brito

Project Officer

Picture of Reece Walker-Djondo

Reece Walker-Djondo

Project Officer

Picture of Dilek Pinar

Dilek Pinar

Senior English Tutor / Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Picture of Alicia Burke

Alicia Burke

Learning Co-ordinator

Picture of Bruna Castilho

Bruna Castilho

English Tutor / Employment Advisor

Picture of Parya Ahmad Pour

Parya Ahmad Pour

English Tutor / Social Media

Picture of Evelyn Llumitasig

Evelyn Llumitasig

Digital Skills Co-ordinator / IT Technical Support

Picture of Claudia Aceituno

Claudia Aceituno

English Tutor

Picture of Rebekah Ireland

Rebekah Ireland

English Tutor

Picture of Heather James

Heather James

Maths Tutor

Picture of Jane Hurley

Jane Hurley

English Tutor

Picture of Alina Cosnita

Alina Cosnita

Learning Co-ordinator

Picture of Tuan Van Dang

Tuan Van Dang

English / Maths / Digital Skills Tutor