AP Education was approached to support a learner with a diagnosis of ASD and complex SEMH needs. The case required a highly personalised, consistent approach to build trust, reduce anxiety, and re-engage the learner in education.
Upon receiving the referral, AP Education immediately initiated a comprehensive assessment process to understand the learner’s needs, family dynamics, and school environment.
Following discussions during the initial planning meetings, it was agreed that the most effective approach would be to provide the learner with both a tutor and a mentor. This dual support focused on a therapeutic approach aimed at improving self-esteem and equipping the learner with tools to manage anxiety more effectively. AP Education carefully selected a tutor and mentor with proven experience in supporting learners with similar needs, ensuring a strong match to provide consistent, personalised, and empathetic support.
The selected tutor and mentor began sessions in the family home, with an initial focus on building rapport and creating a safe, trusting environment for the learner.
Over the first four weeks, the learner received two hours of support each day. At the end of this initial period, a review was held to assess progress. Parents shared that they were beginning to see signs of the ‘old’ M returning, he was spending more time with family and had even managed a trip to the cinema with friends.
Following the learner’s positive progress, it was agreed that sessions would transition to a local community venue. This move aimed to reinforce the learner’s growing confidence and support their gradual reintegration into the wider community. We began by trialling two sessions per week at the local community centre. Although initially daunting, the learner responded exceptionally well to the new environment. As a result, all sessions were soon relocated to the centre, and daily support was extended to three hours.
Throughout this phase, we worked closely with the local authority and the learner’s school to co-produce and implement risk reduction plans, ensuring strategies remained responsive and appropriately tailored to the learner’s evolving needs.
The impact of AP Education’s intervention was significant and far-reaching. Despite previous challenges with school attendance, our therapeutic approach, combining mentoring with personalised education, resulted in a remarkable improvement. The learner’s attendance rose from just 33% in Autumn Term 2 to an impressive 94% across Spring Terms 1 and 2.
This progress culminated in a successful transition into full-time education once a suitable setting was identified, marking a major milestone in the learner’s educational journey. Through strategic collaboration, thoughtful planning, and consistent support, AP Education helped transform the trajectory of the learner’s experience, paving the way for long-term success and renewed confidence in the future.
