Toby’s Story
Toby’s Story: Building Confidence Through Personalised Support
Before joining Harrogate PLC, Toby faced many challenges. Living with autism, ADHD, sensory issues, and high anxiety, he struggled to communicate and connect with others. He’d been excluded from previous settings and was only receiving minimal support.
The Personalised Learning College worked closely with Toby, his mum, and professionals to build a tailored support plan. Staff took time to earn his trust before he started, even working through the summer break, making sure he felt safe and understood.
Since then, Toby has made amazing progress. He now volunteers at Skipton Holy Trinity Church, Morrisons, and Airedale Hospital, gaining confidence, independence, and social skills. He’s moved from needing one-to-one support to working independently and chatting comfortably with others.
Toby is also learning key life skills like cooking, shopping, and travelling safely on public transport. He’s working towards his Skills for Independent Living qualification and an independent travel certificate. He even earned an Arts Award through a project at Skipton Town Hall Museum.
With the right support, Toby has gone from feeling isolated to thriving in education, work experience, and social life and his mum, Laura, couldn’t be happier.
“A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine Toby engaging in the community. He wouldn’t leave the house without me and often became overwhelmed. Now, he takes the bus to Skipton three times a week, cleans a church, and works at Morrisons, confidently helping customers and using his initiative. Amy at the PLC has been incredible, providing the calm, structured support Toby needs. We both benefit from the time apart, and I’m so grateful for the confidence and independence he’s gained.”
Ikhlas’ Story
Ikhlas’ Story: Finding her Voice
When Ikhlas first arrived at Harrogate Personalised Learning College, she was quiet, reserved, and still getting to grips with a new language and environment. As a non-native English speaker, communication was a challenge, but from day one, the team at PLC worked closely with her to build her confidence and support her learning.
Through tailored support in both spoken English and Makaton signing, Ikhlas began to find her voice. Staff encouraged her every step of the way, helping her widen her vocabulary, improve her pronunciation, and develop her expressive language, even when she cheekily took her hearing aids out!
The nurturing environment at PLC gave Ikhlas the space to grow. She became one of the best Makaton signers in the class, confidently leading songs and sensory stories in front of classmates. Her natural warmth and sense of humour made her a hit with classmates and staff alike.
Ikhlas’ journey is a brilliant example of what can happen when the right support meets the right learner. She’s gone from being a quiet newcomer to one of the most sociable, outgoing, and confident learners we’ve ever had!