At Kirkleatham Hall School, we’ve been delivering a self-confidence programme, Super You, to a group of pupils with a range of additional needs. The goal was to help each young person recognise their strengths and feel confident.
Each pupil had their own needs. It was important from the start that the intervention was meaningful, not just that these individuals were present. The sessions were adapted. The timing of the sessions were adjusted for all pupils, recognising their concentration levels and manageable pace.
The number of sessions increased to allow more time for reflection and genuine connection. A sensory bag filled with tactile items, a simple, low-cost adjustment allowed one pupil to fully engage. When all the pupils realised this intervention was designed with them in mind, their faces lit up and their cheeky sides emerged. Heartwarming, to see what inclusion looks like.
Using the Academic Resilience Framework as a guide, this programme didn’t just target individual confidence. It created a safe space for belonging, a space where factors like relationships, positive identity, and high expectations were supported.
Importantly, every pupil in the group benefited. Confidence didn’t come from “specialising” the content, it came from adapting how we delivered it. We ensured every pupil had the same opportunity to take part. Inclusion doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It just takes intention, empathy, and the willingness to see every young person as an individual.
Published: May 27