From fear to thriving – how student's work placement led to 'incredible' transformation

Special needs school pupil Alfie was previously scared of dogs but now works with them regularly, writes Belle Lun

A teen with learning difficulties who was once was terrified of dogs is now volunteering at an Enfield dog hotel – after undergoing an “incredible” transformation.

Alfie, a special needs student at Oaktree School in Southgate, has taken part in a regular supported placement at Halo Dogs in The Ridgeway for around three years. His favourite puppy is a miniature dachshund called Stanley.

Mum Samantha Clydesdale explains that Alfie used to get upset around dogs and would even cross the road to avoid them, but now looks forward to spending time with the dogs at Halo every week.

“The confidence and trust he has developed through the job has been incredible to watch,” says Samantha. “Every single Monday is the highlight of his week. He talks about the place constantly. He is so incredibly proud of what he does there, and seeing that sense of purpose and happiness means the world to me.”

Halo Dogs founder Justin Kumaran believes life-changing experiences can happen when local organisations offer young people consistency, patience and genuine participation rather than a one-off visit.

“Alfie did not need a staged experience. He needed somewhere he could return to until the unfamiliar became familiar and fear gave way to trust,” says Justin. “The most important thing is that he does not see himself as a visitor.

“He sees himself as part of the team. That sense of belonging is what every young person deserves.”

According to a government’s report published this month, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) are 80% more likely than average to not be in either education, employment or training (described as ‘Neets’). In 2024/25, only 8.7% of non-disabled peers were classified as Neets, while for disabled people the number is far higher, at 29.6%.

“No young person should be written off because of where they start in life, not the health condition they have, or the barriers they face,” the report explained.

Justin is now calling on more community organisations in Enfield to work with Send schools such as Oaktree to create a sustained and supported environment.

“A meaningful placement can change the question from ‘What are the barriers?’ to ‘What can this young person become with the right environment?’,” says Justin.

“Businesses do not need to have every answer on day one,” he adds. “They can start by opening a door, listening to the school and making one young person feel expected, useful and valued.”

Samantha also describes Alfie’s placement as one of the most valuable parts of her son’s education, as it gives him confidence and “most importantly, something he genuinely loves”.

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