Billy* arrived at Olsen House School as a Year 7 pupil with a background of a challenging KS2 experience. During primary school, he was supported on a 2-1 and sometime 3-1 basis.

With an autism spectrum condition diagnosis, and social, emotional and mental health needs, Billy absconded regularly from school and made minimal progress educationally, socially and emotionally.

Billy didn’t like school and found it difficult to navigate emotionally. His parents didn’t think he would settle at school ever.

However, since coming to Olsen House, he has settled quickly and coped amazingly well. He did really well in his induction and became a full-time attender almost straight away. He has allowed himself to make new friendships and to trust other children as well as adults. He has shocked himself by enjoying school and wants to be in every day.

The school’s low arousal spaces, small class sizes and relaxed atmosphere have undoubtedly help Billy settle and in turn, allow him to make progress.

Billy’s personal circumstances at home have changed, but this has not impacted on his time at school. He has used the adults around him to keep moving forward positively.

In just over a year, Billy’s social, emotional and behavioural well-being have increased exponentially. He is allowing people to see his is a kind, sociable and intelligent soul with the ability to work independently. This is something that would have seemed impossible to achieve within such a short space of time. He is a great ambassador for the school.