Reubyn attends our Arc Oakbridge School in Birmingham. The school, based in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, is an independent specialist provision providing education for autistic children and young people.
We caught up with Reubyn’s family, Don and Naina, to find out how the school is supporting him towards a much happier future.
“Reubyn was initially seen by Phil, Headteacher at Arc Oakbridge who Reubyn immediately took to. Reubyn is not good with names but remembered Phil’s name after just one meeting.
When he arrived, he had developed such trust in Phil that he left his mother and I to walk with him around the school. As he walked in through the door the first thing he said was “this is my dream school” and still refers to Arc Oakbridge the same way. This was the first day of an incredible journey for Reubyn as he started at the school with an excellently managed transition and introduction.
Reubyn’s behaviour quickly changed, and he became the old fun-loving boy I had always known, and he stopped being anxious and much more in control of his temper. Over the months the interventions were tailored to meet his needs and were gradually introduced which made the progress amazing. Six months ago Reubyn couldn’t read or write and was afraid of failure. The nurturing environment within the school where students support each other made it possible for Reubyn to no longer see failure but to see learning opportunities.
He was amazed to meet children, as he put it “the same as me.” Reubyn can now read and fully understand what he is reading having finished his very first book. Reubyn now becomes so engrossed in his reading that it is sometimes even difficult to drag him away from it as he is enjoying the book so much! He often now favours his reading over watching tv or playing on a games consol. He can also write now, not just lists of words but write creatively. He has even written a short poem that is soon to be published. Reubyn is also interested in other subjects often discussing what he has leant at school when asked, which never happened while in mainstream school.
Reubyn’s progress at Arc Oakbridge has been nothing but astounding and I cannot praise all the school staff enough for the effort, passion, and energy. I have received messages with updates at weekends, early mornings, and even late evenings.
Reubyn has achieved so much in such a short a period of time and it is all due to Arc Oakbridge School and his whole family have noticed his progress.
Reubyn looks forward to going to school every day and even having to get up at 6am each day. He never wants to miss school and even counts down the days during the school holidays to going back.
Reubyn’s mum wept of tears of joy and relief when he recently received a school award for his reading and was even more impressive being voted by his peers as having had the most impact and progress in the school.”
And the final message from Reubyn….”If I had not come here I would not have met so many wonderful people and would not have known there were so many wonderful people in the world. Thank you Oakbridge.”