This student started at Primrose Hill School in year 8. He struggled academically at times, mainly due to issues with memory and concentration. However, his biggest barrier was the difficulties he faced with managing his temper and emotions; the emotional effort of dealing with the problems he faced daily often led to meltdowns.
Over time, these meltdowns became shorter and less severe. Once we helped him to develop techniques that allowed him to communicate his feelings and recognise that his temper was rising, he was able to recognise when he was losing control. This meant that he could ask to be left alone until he felt calm again.
The key here was that the staff maintained Unconditional Positive Regard at all times, reassuring him that a meltdown would not cost him the support and respect of his mentors. Most importantly, he was aware that staff understood that he was actively working to control his outbursts and that they would not be held against him later.
After an outburst was over, we would work with him to reflect on the cause at a later date, when the emotional arousal was clearly at a more manageable level.
Though he had initially preferred the company of his student mentors, he later began mixing with other students and taking more risks. He travelled to Teaseldown School to take Entry Level Certificate exams and later GCSE exams.
He completed ASDAN courses at bronze, silver and gold levels and short courses in history and food technology. He has gone on to a supported course at college.