Education: `She showed him how to deal with his anger - they made toys which he could smash'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When Adrian Thompson was eight, his mother, Shirley, received a letter from his school saying that he was in danger of being excluded unless his behaviour improved.
Now Adrian is ten and, his mother says, he is still in school thanks to the help he has received from the Children's Society's Shine project (Schools Have Inclusive Education).
She says: "He was on the verge of being excluded for difficult behaviour. He was very hyperactive and he kept throwing things across the classroom. He was also being bullied and, every time something went wrong, he felt that he was blamed for it.
"But he didn't know how to express himself. When I asked, he said he was fine."
His behaviour problems meant that he was also struggling with his work.
Part of the trouble, Mrs Thompson says, is that she is a nurse working night shifts so that she was not always available when Adrian came home from school.
Jill, the project worker, persuaded Adrian to talk, and a pattern was worked out between Mrs Thompson, Jill and his tutor so that one of them was always available to talk.
Adrian, who attends Trinity St Mary's primary school in Balham, south- west London, enjoyed his one-to-one sessions with Jill each week. "He felt someone was interested in him and that gave him confidence," his mother said. "She showed him how to deal with his anger. They made toys which he could smash.
"I was frightened about what would happen when he went back into class but there has been no problem. He has learnt to read and he now likes school.
"I don't know what we would have done without the help. There needs to be a system so that parents and teachers get together and communi- cate properly."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments