Lisa was referred to Learning Links via Brune Park Community College in Gosport. She was facing permanent exclusion due to inappropriate behaviour and language towards staff and other students.

She truanted daily and had not accessed her education fully for 18 months and had therefore fallen behind in all subjects missing vital support from the education system.

“Learning Links helps those kids who can’t cope with school”

She lacked motivation and was angry at both the system and her parents for failing her. Lisa had not really achieved anything within education and she could not see this changing for her.

She wanted to be able to access education but not full time in the local school. She also wanted help to pursue her preferred career in childcare.

“Lisa engaged in team building activities and other pursuits.”

Lisa begun by meeting regularly with her Learning Links Key Worker for 1:1 mentoring, allowing her to explore her feelings of anger and frustration and to voice her needs in a safe environment.

Her school agreed to a Distance Learning Programme with additional support. She worked towards her Numeracy and Literacy qualifications and received private tutoring for 2 hours per week.

She attended the YNOT Project week allowing her to look at post 16 options such as College and Training Providers.

Lisa engaged in team building activities and other pursuits such as Motorcycling. She showed herself to be a leader by encouraging and motivating those around her.

She achieved 100% attendance on the YNOT week which she had never done at school.

Her feelings of anger and isolation have now changed to feelings of pride and achievement.

Lisa said, “Learning Links helps those kids who can’t cope with school to still get an education and a chance to achieve their dreams. It’s really helped me and my family.”

Lisa’s attitude towards education has changed immensely. She sees the benefit of completing school assignments. The Deputy Head at Brune Park said, ‘Lisa has done more work in 2 weeks than she had done in 2 years’

Her relationship with her family has improved as she has chosen to take control of her education.

She started work experience at a local nursery and plans to go to a local college or training provider to study childcare once she finishes school.

Lisa’s Key Worker continues to support her during her final year at school.