Amara (aged 10) was referred to Welcare by her school’s pastoral team to take part in the Capability in Schools programme. At the point of referral she was described as very quiet, with low confidence, and reluctant to ask adults for help. Following a breakdown in a close friendship, she was feeling isolated and unsure about trusting her peers. The aim of the intervention was to help Amara build confidence, understand her emotions and feel more able to speak up for herself in groups and in class.
Amara attended a nine‑week Capability group with other Year 5 pupils, alongside individual sessions at the start and end of the programme. Her initial MyStar assessment showed particularly low confidence and difficulties in relationships. Early in the group, further friendship tensions emerged, leaving Amara feeling excluded. Group sessions supported her and her peer to reflect on what had happened, understand each other’s perspectives and agree to move forward with respect. This became a turning point, and Amara grew noticeably more confident, contributing to discussions without prompting and sharing her thoughts more openly, including challenging a comment she felt was inappropriate.
By the end of the programme, school reported that Amara was more engaged and focused in class, working well with others and participating more actively. This included volunteering to read aloud and sharing her ideas when prompted. In her final one‑to‑one session, she confidently expressed her needs and concerns, which were shared with school staff. Her MyStar scores showed clear improvement, particularly in confidence and relationships, and Amara and her mother both reported a more positive attitude towards school, with Amara feeling safer and better able to manage her emotions using strategies learned through the group.
