Bella*, a Year 7 student with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities , joined our Young Carers programme as a very quiet student who lacked confidence in maths. In her welcome questionnaire, she told us she disliked the subject and initially asked that we did not involve her in class discussions. Her baseline assessments highlighted significant gaps in her mathematical understanding, with a score of 0 in both assessments.

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During the first session, Bella's shyness was very apparent. She was quiet with her mentor and found it difficult to grasp the foundational concepts of each topic. Working alongside a Year 12 mentor, she was supported using visual methods to explain mathematical concepts by drawing out problems in a way that was easier to understand. This approach helped Bella engage with the sessions and make good progress in the core principles of each topic.

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Around halfway through the programme, Bella began raising her hand after discussing problems with her mentor and started offering answers during class discussions, giving some fantastic explanations.

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By the end of the programme, Bella was able to gain marks independently in each assessment. Most importantly, the confidence she had developed was clear. In her end-of-programme feedback, she told us she felt more confident talking through problems in class, more confident in her maths learning and much more optimistic about the subject going forward.

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Bella's story demonstrates how personalised support, positive mentoring and encouragement can help young carers with additional needs build confidence, overcome barriers to learning and develop a more positive attitude towards maths.

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*name changed