Before joining TCES Nurture Primary
Andrew was out of school, accessing one hour of tuition a day.
He had a diagnosis of SEMH and has had a traumatic upbringing.
Andrew displayed challenging behaviour towards staff and peers. He would often get angry once dysregulated. When angry he would run, tip over equipment, bins, chairs, tables etc.
Andrew often created a quiet ‘safe-space’ by moving tables around him to create a barricade and resisting efforts by staff to speak with him.
He often ran away from staff during lessons and would hide to avoid interaction or tasks.
He was often reluctant to join in with lessons due to his low self-esteem around learning, and his anxiety that the work might be too difficult for him.
He needed support during transitional periods of school where he might be left alone such as corridors and the playground.
He found it hard to interpret social cues, which affected his ability to form and maintain positive relationships with other children.
Andrew often struggled with turn-taking and sharing during group activities, which sometimes led to disagreements with peers.
February 2021 – Joined TCES Nurture Primary
Progression
Andrew’s attendance increased to 99%.
With targeted support and positive reinforcement Andrew’s confidence in his learning improved, and he started to participate more actively in lessons.
Andrew now uses verbal communication to express his needs, rather than using behaviour to communicate distress.
Nurture Primary provided Andrew with designated safe spaces, sensory rooms, and structured breaks, which helped him to self-regulate.
Andrew benefited from predictable routines, constant support, and a low-arousal environment, which helped him feel safer and more able to access learning.
He enjoys Maths and can now work on maths tasks independently.
Andrew’s emotional literacy has improved through therapeutic interventions. He can now identify and name his feelings, and he has begun approaching teachers to express how he’s feeling.
Andrew successfully stepped down into TCES East London School in 2025.
“Andrew has come so far and we’re incredibly proud of him. With the right support and a nurturing environment, he’s grown in confidence and built strong emotional awareness. It’s been a joy to watch him grow.” Emma – Andrew’s Teacher
