Duncan @ Port Talbot Centre

Building Confidence Through ALN Support

When Duncan joined the Engagement strand of the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme in Port Talbot, he arrived with significant additional learning needs and faced a number of challenges that affected both his learning and everyday life. Socially withdrawn and lacking confidence, he found it difficult to engage in group activities, speak openly in a learning environment, and build relationships with others.

Alongside this, Duncan experienced significant difficulties with literacy and numeracy, including recognising and differentiating between some letters and numbers. It was clear from the outset that personalised Additional Learning Needs (ALN) support would play a vital role in helping him achieve his potential.

Understanding the Learner

A key part of Duncan’s journey has been the dedicated support provided by Additional Learning Support Officer Debbie Allen, who took the time to truly understand how Duncan learns best.

Rather than focusing on barriers, Debbie worked closely with Duncan to identify his strengths and break learning down into manageable, meaningful steps. This learner-centred approach created a supportive environment where Duncan could develop skills at his own pace while steadily building confidence and independence.

One of the first challenges identified was attendance and punctuality. Through patient conversations and support, it became apparent that the issue was not motivation, but understanding. Duncan struggled to tell the time and interpret a digital clock, something that also impacted his routines outside of learning.

By simplifying concepts around time, numbers and daily routines, Debbie helped Duncan develop a much stronger understanding of how to structure his day. As a result, his attendance improved, and he began developing greater independence both in and out of the classroom.

Growing in Confidence

As Duncan’s understanding and confidence increased, so did his engagement with others.

What began as small conversations with fellow learners soon developed into genuine friendships through shared interests in gaming and films. Today, Duncan regularly spends time with friends outside of provision, enjoying trips to the cinema, visits to the beach and social activities together.

The transformation in his confidence has been just as significant as his academic progress. From someone who initially found communication and group participation challenging, Duncan has become an active and valued member of the learning environment.

Achieving Milestones

Throughout his time on programme, Duncan has continued to make impressive progress.

He successfully achieved his 301 and 311 Employability qualifications while on the Engagement strand before progressing onto Advancement, a significant milestone in his development.

With continued ALN support, Duncan strengthened his literacy skills, improved his understanding of the alphabet and developed greater confidence in recognising letters and their place within words.

He has since achieved his Level 1 Employability qualification and is now working towards additional qualifications in Customer Service and Wellbeing and Mental Health of Self and Others. Appropriate assessment support has also been identified, ensuring Duncan can confidently demonstrate his knowledge and skills.

Looking Ahead

Today, Duncan attends a full-time placement with Oxfam Charity Shop five days a week. His role includes organising and tagging clothing, operating the till and supporting customers.

Working with numbers initially felt daunting, but through ongoing support and practical experience, Duncan has grown in confidence and capability. Feedback from his placement has been extremely positive, highlighting the progress he continues to make in a real working environment.

Duncan’s journey is a powerful example of the impact effective ALN support can have. By recognising his individual needs and providing consistent, personalised support, the team in Port Talbot have helped him develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to move forward.

From struggling with everyday concepts such as telling the time and finding it difficult to engage with others, Duncan is now achieving qualifications, maintaining friendships and successfully attending a workplace five days a week.

His story demonstrates that when the right support is in place, learners with additional learning needs can thrive, achieve their goals and continue progressing from strength to strength.