Max: Using debate to improve social interaction

Specialist SEN Tutor

Phil

Folkestone

5 (17 reviews)

Master's level study and QTS, plus specialist CPD.

Over 10 years of experience as a QTS teacher, focused on personalised progress and confidence.

Max is 11. He has been tutored by SEN tutor Philip since April of 2024, and has been on an EOTAS package for 11 months. Max has a profile of Autism and ADHD. He suffered greatly at school trying to cope with many sensory aspects of the environment, in addition to being very challenged by social interaction expectations. This led to extreme anxiety, eventually causing a fear of all aspects of school life, prompting a request for EOTAS to enable Max’s education to continue in an alternative setting.

Location & Timetable

Max is tutored at home. His EOTAS package allows him twelve hours of tuition per week, which factors in a variety of subjects including Maths, English, Home Economics, Debating and Computer skills. He is taught for 2.5 hours most days, from Monday to Friday. His curriculum has been tailored specifically to include not only two of the core subjects but also areas where he is most likely to follow a pathway in adulthood.

Max’s weekly timetable unfolds as follows each week:

Specific Focus

During the afternoons, time is spent with Max focusing on particular areas that could lead to future opportunities after his high school years. He is very interested in current affairs, so debating skills have been included to help him explore this, but also to assist his social interaction and communication ability. This can be more easily addressed because Max is amidst a topic he enjoys.

There will however sometimes be disagreements; this presents plenty of opportunity for Max to learn how to respond appropriately whilst also talking about a topic or topics that interest him. Potential alternative views to his can be gently introduced and delivered, depending on how Max is responding and learning.

Successes

Now, with school being in the past, Max can look forward to a different education that includes:

• A consistent, routine timetable that runs smoothly, is now free of interruptions caused by school culture.
• A willing acceptance of his education
• A willingness to interact without fear or judgement
• A focus on areas that are crucial for his future

Progress

Max’s progress has been immeasurable. He has gained so much since being on an EOTAS plan. Progress areas for him can be summarised as:

• Social interaction: Max has been able to absorb more information about appropriate ways to communicate with others. As he has addressed his social interaction challenges, he has also been able to communicate more effectively and confidently.
• Reduction in Anxiety: Max has readily accepted his new timetable and is embracing his curriculum. He no longer resists any aspect of his schooling, and panic attacks related to his education have greatly reduced.
• Food Technology: Max has always excelled in Food Technology; he now has the freedom to explore the subject and develop his skills fully in a relaxed environment free of sensory interruptions.
• Regulation: Since not being at school, Max is much more regulated. When faced with potential dysregulation, he is able to reset his emotional body clock and gravitate much more easily back to his status quo.
• Academic Progress: Max has experienced a significant increase in his absorption of knowledge since beginning his EOTAS package. He clearly enjoys learning in this environment, which supports his access to knowledge and personal growth.

Reviewing of the EOTAS Package

Max’s current EOTAS plan includes a review of the package once each year. Phil will not attend a review but will submit a report. It is anticipated that this is an adequate review plan as there are no indications to suggest that more frequent reviews will be required. Should this change, the timetable will be altered so that reviews occur more often.

Conclusion

Max is flourishing under EOTAS. It has been a highly successful transition for him, and it is expected that he will continue on a package throughout his high school years.

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