Caitlin’s story

Caitlin’s journey with National Star

Caitlin, a warm and engaging student, enjoys every session she attends improving her communication skills, physical development, and social confidence while on the Personal Development and Active Citizenship pathway. 

Before National Star, Caitlin found communication challenging. While she used words and short phrases, she never spoke in full sentences. She found it difficult to engage with anyone outside her immediate family. With the support of the Speech and Language Therapy team, Caitlin is making progress. She now shows greater awareness of other students. With support, she now engages with them, understands and talks about what she wants. Expressing a wider range of emotions is something Caitlin has mastered. Caitlin has also built positive, trusting relationships with staff, reflecting her continued hard work.  

Connecting through music

Caitlin has a deep love of music and dance, which she uses as a form of joyful expression. Whether singing, dancing, or joining in on group sessions, Caitlin is happy. 

Her love and confidence in choir has grown as she attends weekly and takes pride in group singing sessions. She has taken part in table cricket with a group of students previously unknown to her. 

Exploring the outdoors and building strength  

Caitlin loves being outdoors. She has developed a strong connection to nature through outdoor learning activities. While walking with staff, she often links arms, a gentle gesture of connection and comfort. She wears ear defenders to manage sensory input, which helps her feel calm and focused.  

In her nature-themed sessions, Caitlin shines. She recently took part in a Spring Hunt, using a fact sheet to explore the outdoor environment. This experience supported her cognitive engagement and allowed her to practice answering direct questions with a yes or no answer. For example, deciding which item on the list she would like to find next. This is a skill she has developed through structured learning and everyday interactions.  

Due to cerebral palsy, she has limited tendon movement in her right foot; therefore, Caitlin often chooses to walk on her toes, a sensory-preferred movement, using a gentle rocking and bouncing motion as a form of self-regulation. As part of her physical development plan, staff encourage her to walk with flattened feet, supporting her long-term mobility and comfort.  

Looking ahead  

Caitlin’s schedule blends creative expression, physical therapy, and communication in a way that feels meaningful and motivating. 

Caitlin is working towards learning outcomes that include:

• Developing communication skills so she can make clear requests, share her feelings, and engage with other students. Use of her communication support book is expanding her vocabulary and supporting her understanding.
• Engaging in new creative activities such as choir, outdoor exploration, and off-timetable activities.
• Building trusting relationships with students and staff so she feels safe sharing how she feels. She is showing progress in sessions, allowing others to take their time and turn.
• Taking part in a tailored occupational and physiotherapy programme. This supports her in making healthy life choices and increasing her independence. A large part of Caitlin’s timetable is devoted to her wellbeing. This includes rebound sessions, physiotherapy and swimming lessons. She is currently working towards her 400m swimming award. Other goals include improving balance, learning to tie her shoelaces, and buying her weekly food shop, following a list and finding the items with support. 

Caitlin’s journey is one of confidence, creativity, and connection.  With her positive spirit, love of nature, and deep passion for music, Caitlin continues to grow as a person. Every day, she builds on her skills, shares her joy with others, and takes confident steps towards a bright future.