Ernie, a young person who has been a pupil at Arc Oakbridge School for almost four years, has ‘blossomed’ during his time there.

The young man had experienced significant mental health difficulties. He also acted as a carer for a family member and at one point couldn’t set foot in a school. He was described as being someone who could be very dysregulated and sometimes violent when experiencing challenges.

However, Ernie has made incredible progress since arriving at Arc Oakbridge School; the team have worked patiently and closely with him to build relationships and trust. He finds the quieter and smaller environment easier to tolerate and is managing his emotions more.

He has gone from a boy who couldn’t set foot in a school to attending part time to having excellent attendance. He is planning a career in IT and has, in the words of Headteacher Phil Petch, ‘completely turned around’. “There will be tears when Ernie leaves us,” says Phil, “He’s completely blossomed and it’s been lovely to see.”

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