Teaching at EMA is adapted to individual students to meet their diverse needs and ensure they can achieve.
Moreton student Ruaridh is now in his second year with us, having joined after an extended period out of formal education. He is an inspiring example of how a young person with needs such as his can overcome barriers, develop new skills, hit personal goals, and build confidence.
Ru’s initial transition to EMA was a huge step for him. With the dedicated support of EMA staff, he has gradually embraced the routine of his timetable and the structure of college life. Whether he’s building bird feeders and bat houses as part of his vocational study programme, cooking up meals in the kitchen, or learning how to maintain his focus during digital skills sessions, Ru has been pushing himself and showing enthusiasm to attend college.
“I know he feels happy, safe and comfortable at EMA now, because he doesn’t resist going, even on cold days, and he strides off without a goodbye!” – Ru’s mum, Karen
Hitting goals has become a regular occurrence for Ru. He recently achieved a key independence and confidence target during one‑to‑one sessions with his Learning Support Worker, Lauren. Ru planned and made a pizza from scratch and, once it was cooked, confidently handed it out to his tutor group. This was a fantastic achievement, demonstrating progress in following multi‑step instructions, participating in group interactions, and sharing something he had created.
“Ru did everything from scratch with just a little prompting here and there, including researching ingredients, making a shopping list, and visiting a supermarket to buy what he needed. Breaking the project down into small steps is key to helping Ru, and this meant he was able to confidently stay on task.” – Lauren, Learning Support Worker
As part of his development, Ru has strengthened his practical skills in the gardens at Moreton. He has shown that he can complete a variety of tasks with increasing independence, follow instructions, and approach work with confidence. He has helped to re‑lay the kitchen garden veg beds, tidy the paths at the rose garden, remove dead plants from borders, use the wheelbarrow, and tools such as hand shears safely. He has also recently given the plant sales benches a brilliant fresh coat of green paint.
It’s not just the practical side either: this month Ru completed worksheets demonstrating his knowledge of trees, correctly labelling key parts and identifying various wildlife. This knowledge supports his practical work with horticulture professionals. Using different tools, following instructions, and staying focused – whether in a group or independently – the winter season hasn’t stopped Ru from pushing himself, and his commitment has been brilliant to see.
It’s important for our students to be able to express how they’re feeling in lessons, and Ru has also shown improvement in written and verbal communication relevant to the curriculum. This has given him more ways to express how he feels, regulate himself, and explain when he may require extra help in lessons.
Over in the training kitchen, Ru has been adding to his repertoire of cooking, baking, and hygiene skills. From chocolate muffins and brownies last year, to recently completing his first spaghetti bolognese from scratch, and a white sauce for cauliflower cheese with minimal support. Slicing vegetables, mixing ingredients, and using pans and hobs to cook – these skills can be applied both in a professional hospitality setting and at home.
In the Dovecote Café, Ru has been gaining experience with the teams in the kitchen, and front of house. Washing and drying up, and loading the dishwasher, allowing him to practise his hygiene skills and stay focused on a task for over an hour. In front-of-house roles, he has been helping to refill stock, plus clearing and cleaning tables. This is a great example of Ru transferring something learned in the training space into a real‑world, professional environment.
Ru’s success is a combination of his personal drive and the support of staff at EMA. His Tutor, Jason, shared how his teaching is adapted to meet Ru where he’s at and ensure he can continue to learn and succeed.
“To support Ru effectively, I adapt my teaching by giving him extended processing time and ensuring he is in the Green Zone (according to the Zones of Regulation framework) before we begin any learning activities. This helps him feel regulated and ready to engage, which in turn makes the learning more meaningful and reduces anxiety. I avoid rushing him and give clear, calm instructions, allowing him space to respond in his own time, and if he needs time out at any point then we adapt to allow for this. One of his biggest areas of progress has been his ability to maintain focus, and the way he’s continued to embrace the routine of his college day‑to‑day.” – Jason, Tutor
“He’s getting so much out of being at EMA”
Our staff work closely with all parents and carers, and Ru’s mum has shared her experience:
“Seeing my son run in to start his day, whatever that may entail, lifts a smile to my heart and face – two things we’ve both missed out on for too long. For the first time in his ‘school’ life, we’ve found a team and placement of amazing, non‑judgemental individuals who welcome and encourage my son in ways not before experienced. I feel I can leave the premises and relax, without expecting a call telling me to collect Ru because he’s ‘too much’ and they can’t, or won’t, cope.
When we’re home during weekends and holidays, there is much more peace, even with impromptu laughter. I believe this is because he’s getting so much out of being at EMA, that he feels less alone, even with me. Heartfelt thanks to everyone at EMA for averting a psychological disaster for both Ruaridh and myself” – Karen
We are committed to enabling our students to fulfil their potential, giving them the best possible start on their journey towards adulthood and independence. The support around Ru – and students like him – is key in making this happen, and we’re all proud to see him continuing to develop his focus and achieve his goals.
For more information on our study programmes at either campus in Moreton, or in Gillingham, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.