Cleo was one of The Oaks’ original cohort of ten learners and left the college in July 2025. During her five years with us, she not only witnessed significant growth at the college – which now supports 139 learners – but also experienced her own remarkable journey of progress and increasing independence.
As a learner in the college’s Learning for Life pathway, Cleo took part in a wide range of programmes designed to develop communication, confidence, daily‑living abilities and community participation. Over the years, she became increasingly independent in travelling around the community, managing her personal routines, and taking part in group activities. She embraced sessions focusing on cooking, organisation, health and wellbeing, and social communication, and she benefitted from structured opportunities to make choices, build friendships, and contribute to community‑based projects. Whether practising independent shopping, exploring local leisure facilities, or taking part in supported work‑related activities, Cleo grew into a young adult who was motivated, capable, and increasingly self‑reliant.
Now, after leaving college, Cleo continues to enjoy a full and active weekly timetable. She attends a range of day services and community programmes, including Scotts Project, Aspens, Blooming Arts and Ightham Mote. Her family recently wrote to the college – eight months after she left – to share their pride in her progress:
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“Cleo continues to impress us all with her development and is loving a full life of daily activities, including teaming up with her old college buddies via The Oaks group at Ightham Mote. Sometimes she’s just tiring to watch :). The Oaks embedded amazing foundations for her to bloom, and we are seeing the results. Happy days!!”
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Cleo’s achievements are a testament not only to her enthusiasm and resilience, but also to the strong, independence‑focused foundation she built during her time at The Oaks. She leaves with confidence, friendships, routines and skills that continue to enrich her daily life.