Since April 2023, we have provided weekly 1-to-1 coaching at West Coventry Academy, an intervention that has proven crucial in supporting learners confidence and wellbeing. This has also resulted in a significant improvement in school attendance rates, particularly among learners experiencing school avoidance.
As part of this initiative, Lisa, a Happy Confident Kids confidence coach, provided weekly 1-to-1 coaching sessions for 31 learners, primarily to Year 7 learners referred from the ‘In the Wild’ program, and then others in Year 8, 9 &10.
The following summary is based on Lisa’s observations and feedback. While we aimed to collect direct survey responses from each participant, logistical challenges, including our policy of minimising smartphone use during sessions and the need to maximise coaching time, made this difficult. Therefore, we have focused on Lisa’s insights, feedback from the family support worker, and data demonstrating significant improvements in school attendance among learners previously avoiding school.
The 1-to-1 coaching typically follows a three-week programme, which guides learners through various tools to enhance their confidence.
These tried-and-tested tools, proven effective with thousands of kids, empower them to understand their mind body connection and identify unhelpful emotions (e.g., anger) . The sessions show them how to move to more positive ones (e.g., calm). One such tool, the ‘Tower of Power,’ has demonstrated significant positive impacts and has been adapted into a DIY model for use in the Calm Room.