Supporting children and young people in alternative provision

Bluebird Care ‘Education Enablers’ service

Background

Pupil A is a 15 year old boy living in North Hampshire who has faced significant challenges in accessing a stable school environment for the past three years. He remains on the roll at his school but has been unable to secure a permanent placement. He exhibits PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) behaviours, although he does not have a formal diagnosis of autism. Despite his struggles, he has a keen interest in animals and science, which we have incorporated into his support plan.

In January 2025, Bluebird Care began providing educational support through our 'Education Enablers' service, with the goal of helping pupil A engage with learning and develop essential life skills in a supportive environment.

Aims and Objectives of the Bluebird Care Service

Aims

• To provide high quality, tailored support for pupil A that addresses his educational and social needs.
• To create an environment that encourages pupil A to engage with learning and develop confidence in his abilities.

Objectives

• To assist pupil A in accessing educational content in a way that caters to his interests, particularly in animals and science.
• To provide 2:1 support to facilitate socialisation and community engagement.
• To promote independence through life skills training, including meal preparation.

Service Description/Care Pathway

Early in 2025, Bluebird Care placed two Education Enablers to support pupil A on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. The support is designed to include a mix of educational activities and community outings tailored to pupil A’s interests and needs.

The initial focus was on building a rapport with pupil A and understanding his preferences. This included:

• Engaging in discussions about his hobbies, such as gaming and animals, to foster a comfortable learning environment.
• Introducing structured learning sessions at the library, where pupil A could work on his writing and maths skills using interactive methods.

Project Development

Throughout the support period, Bluebird Care has adapted its approach based on pupil A's responses and progress. Key strategies have included:

• Flexible Learning: Pupil A showed resistance to traditional learning methods, prompting the Education Enablers to incorporate more interactive and interest based activities, such as visits to museums and interactive science centres.
• Encouragement of Independence: Pupil A has been encouraged to take part in preparing his own meals, which has shown gradual improvement. His mother reported that he successfully made his own lunch, marking significant progress in his independence.
• Social Activities: Recognising Pupil A’s enjoyment of social outings, the Education Enablers have organised regular trips to places like the zoo and bowling alleys, allowing him to engage with peers and develop his social skills.
• Library Resources: Securing a study room at a local library has provided pupil A with a quieter, more focused environment for learning. This has reduced distractions and offered structured learning sessions that cater specifically to his educational needs.
• Technology and Interactive Learning: The use of technology, such as watching educational videos and interactive games, has been instrumental in keeping pupil A engaged. He has participated in learning activities using platforms like Oak Academy and has responded positively to interactive lessons that allow him to practice his skills in a fun, engaging manner.

Review and feedback from school Deputy Head

"Pupil A has been unable to attend school for quite some time and has had various alternative provision placements that have not been able to continue. Bluebird Care Educational Enablers have been working with pupil A for the last few months and have maintained a consistent and progressive relationship with him. Pupil A has expressed that he enjoys working with Bluebird and, whilst times can still be challenging, the relationship pupil A has built with his education enablers help him to express his needs to them and know that he will be understood. It is important for pupil A to have a trusting relationship in order to allow him to grow and make those small steps of progress desired both academically and socially. It is clear that the relationship between pupil A and Bluebird Care is a very positive one and we hope that this continues to be the case and pupil A continues to make these positive steps forward.”

Conclusion

Bluebird Care's Education Enablers service has significantly impacted pupil A's engagement with learning and socialisation. By providing structured support tailored to his individual interests and needs, Bluebird Care have fostered an environment where pupil A can learn, grow, and thrive. We are committed to continuously refining our approach to ensure he receives the best possible support in his educational journey.

Looking ahead, we aim to build on pupil A's progress by gradually introducing more structured learning environments and exploring potential reintegration into a formal educational setting. Continued collaboration with school will be essential for ensuring a supportive transition.