A family from the travelling community has been attending Homework Club at HMP Oakwood FPC each Tuesday evening for 12 months; within the family are two boys aged 5 and 3. The elder boy would enter the centre initially quite boisterous, running in and out of the play area, around the tables where people eat, pushing his little brother around on a large truck and did not want to take part in any activities suggested by the Children’s Worker (CW). Over the weeks, the CW would greet him by name on arrival and chat with him. By talking with his family, she found out his interests and planned some activities he would find enjoyable. It became clear that the boy showed some developmental delay – this was observed during activities.

A relationship with the CW has been built up and now, whenever he visits, he approaches her asking what activities are taking place; he now sits with his brother and enjoys adding his creations to the wall displays. He is now an extremely chatty little boy, who often has the attention of the table whilst excitedly sharing stories about his day.

If the time to go over to the visit is delayed, the little boy can become a little bored and mischievous. However, due to the relationship the CW holds with him, he does respond to requests to quieten down and be mindful of others; this relationship is genuine and joyous and there is a sense of pride with the way his behaviour has improved.