In the first session we had together I wanted to know more about her interests to begin planning her No Limits timetable with her, so we went for a drink at a cafe close to her home. At first she was very quiet and didn’t want to open up, but as I continued to show an interest and ask her questions we discovered a connection, liking similar kinds of music. This relaxed her a lot and she began to open up more about what she wanted to do in the future and why she finds school and learning difficult.
To find out what her gaps in learning were I suggested she completed a diagnostic test for Maths and English on BKSB: an assessment tool we have started to use in No Limits for young people working from Entry Level 1 right through to GCSE level. She agreed – I explained why I needed this information and left the choices to her about what test she wanted to do first (Maths or English) what day that week she wanted to do them and where; she chose Dunstable Library. I am sure that if I had of told her she must do an English diagnostic test right now she wouldn’t have been so agreeable as the pressure would have been too much and she would have had no choice and control over anything.
Having this flexible approach worked really well for this young lady and brought the best out in her attitude to learning. It was my first experience of working with a young person that has BESD and I still have a lot to learn about it. However it has become clear to me that the approaches used when working with people who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities can be transferred very effectively when working with people that are diagnosed with BESD.
My Way Facilitator
MacIntyre No Limits ALPS, Herts and Beds