A journey between the pathways

P joined SENse in September 2022, they had experienced a difficult transitional phase from Primary to Secondary School and after placements were attempted in two different schools the family were informed that they could not meet P’s needs. P had a diagnosis of ASC, social anxiety and selective mutism. P would speak to family and familiar adults but would only use nodding and hand gestures to communicate beyond their immediate social circle. 

P started in our EOTAS and Complex Needs Pathway, which focuses on wellbeing and mental health support. Using P’s interests in animals, art and cooking, P’s specialist teacher gradually built a trusting relationship with P, supporting them to develop their confidence and communication skills. This in turn led them to start to use strategies such as Zones of Regulation, to support P with practical strategies to enable P to recognise their emotions. 

P and their specialist teacher started gradually exploring the local community and even attending a weekly Yoga class together outside the home. This enabled P to develop the confidence to attend a local Youth Club, where P could interact with their peers again.  P continued to make great progress and as a result P then felt able to access some more formal learning and start to explore what their options might be for Post 16 learning. 

After discussion as a team, it was felt it was the right time for P to join our Vocational and Independence pathway. P began working alongside their Specialist Teacher to take ownership for their learning and future direction.

P and the family have built a trusting relationship with the Specialist Teacher. The Specialist Teacher works with P and the family to be reactive to changes that need to be put in place to allow successes, and for P to fully develop their confidence with both their learning and being out in the community.

P’s family have always been supportive of SENse sessions and where appropriate have helped encourage P to try new things such as farm school and catching the bus into town. 

P has been focusing on their transition to college for the last term with regular visits in sessions with their Specialist Teacher to see both the college and facilities in the local area. P has practised bus routes and timings ahead of starting the ‘Life and Independent Living Skills’ course at College in September, taking the next step in their learning journey.