Josh was referred to the opt-IN programme in September 2009 with diagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, which he was medicating at the time. Upon starting the programme it became clear that Josh was operating on a cognitive level well below that of his peers; he initially struggled to form friendships within the group, or to build positive relationships with members of staff. Josh was difficult to engage, became frustrated quickly when undertaking any written work, often refusing to take part, and could be very disruptive.

Josh joined opt-IN with incredibly low literacy levels, which had been part of the reason for his application to study mechanics from September 2009 to be unsuccessful. His lack of literacy skills was also the reason behind the majority of his behavioural issues in previous education, and at the beginning of his time with opt-IN.

Once this barrier was identified a source of direct 1-2-1 support was offered, which Josh was initially reluctant to engage with but once trust had been built fully welcomed, and he now works hard with tutors to improve his literary skills. This caused all presented forms of his disruptive behaviour to become minimal, and eventually non-existent. Positive relationships with peers and staff were as a result quickly built; Josh was now able to trust others in talking about his issues and facing his challenges with support of the group. The improvement has been noticeably significant, originally refusing to read anything at all, he now will read on his own from magazines, and recently has found the confidence to read out loud to the group, something that previously Josh would never have even attempted.

Josh has become a well respected member of the group, actively encouraging and supporting others, and is now at the stage where he hopes to move on

to a full-time vocational course in the college, having applied for Vehicle Maintenance Repair to start in September 2010, and BTEC Explorer in February 2010.

Josh’s sheer determination and commitment to succeed, and the progress that he has made in his social skills, literacy and confidence, are a massive achievement in the short but poignant journey Josh has taken in the 4 months

he has been on the opt-IN project. His diligent approach to his work and achievement of his goals despite challenges faced with his own literacy is by

far admirable and worthy of great recognition. Josh’s ultimate goal is to become

a fully qualified mechanic and own his own garage, something which, down only to his own perseverance, is now well within his grasp.