Maple and Me: The immeasurable power of a Walk and Talk for young people with SEND.
‘She has been relaxed and willing to engage. Compared to her trying to attend a mainstream college. Totally different behaviour and a pleasure to see. The first time for a long while I've seen her be so positive and willing around education.’ (Post-16 Parent Carer)
Beyond Creative Education’s trainee therapy dog, Maple.
Establishing trust is the first move towards our learners being able to join the steady stream of wanting to return to learning, and that’s our specialism here at BCE.
For some, that means being able to rely not only on their Key Adult being here, but mostly on their Key Adult bringing a loyal and non-judgemental friend to their individual Walk and Talk sessions.
At Beyond Creative Education, the gentle power of Maple is a valuable source for our learners to rely upon, so that in time they can include their Key Adult in their conversations with our beautiful therapy dog in training.
Time (and the ability to afford it) provides the backbone of success when it comes to integration, and that’s what BCE knows and offers. A generic, off-the-shelf, 12-week programme will not amount to long term impact and improvement in attendance for learners with severe anxiety.
For four months this Post 16 learner has been growing a powerful bond with Maple, which has subsequently grown into clear communication and understanding with their Key Adult here. From non-verbal exchanges through Walk and Talk in the park, to participation in our weekly enrichment programme, to now being empowered to begin learning in very small group work during the college day.
This young person has contributed to shaping the model on which our unique soft-landing pathway is based. Thank you for that and well done, NH!
To learn about the emotional assistance pathways we can provide at BCE, please get in touch or send your enquiry to: office@beyondcreativeeducation.org
