James was diagnosed with a range of additional learning needs and, although his previous school was providing targeted teaching assistance, everyone agreed that more specialist approach was required and a specialist provision was sought so he was moved to Arc School Napton.

James received an EHCP after a lengthy period of time along with an ASD diagnosis.

The team at Arc School Napton encouraged him through a gradual phased induction process and he initially joined the small, nurture based class provision within the larger school community. For a time he was working with only 1 other child but this helped him learn how to build friendships, turn take, share and emotionally regulate.

He was supported, after a sudden family bereavement, by a bereavement counsellor at the school and his family also received some external support.  In class, strategies were employed to help James focus on key learning and wellbeing outcomes which in turn helped him progress through both the ‘Readiness to Learn’ curriculum and the school learning outcomes.

During his time at Arc School Napton he went through periods of being settled but also periods of finding life and education challenging.  He responded well to clear simple instructions, visual cues, emotion coaching and high expectations.  With this supportive framework around him that had been put in place at the school, he thrived and flourished.

A family decision was made to relocate for personal reasons and as part of this James needed to change schools.  Following a consultation involving the family and the school it was decided that he was ready to begin a placement at a mainstream school. With the correct guidance in place, he transitioned successfully into a mainstream primary. Everyone at Arc School Napton was delighted to receive a photo of him smiling in his new uniform on his first day back in mainstream. What an achievement.

Reports back from the initial term at the new placement are very positive and James still keeps in touch with updates on his new journey through school.

*name has been used to protect identity