Enfield, London – A young person who once experienced fear around dogs has transformed into a confident, independent individual through a three-year placement at Halo Dogs. As a new government report warns that young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are significantly more likely to be out of education, employment, or training, Alfie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of consistent, meaningful opportunities.
Alfie, a student at Oaktree School, has been participating in a supported placement at Halo Dogs for the past three years. What began as an unfamiliar and intimidating environment has now become the highlight of his week. His mother, Samantha Clydesdale, shares, “Every single Monday is the highlight of his week. He talks about Halo Dogs constantly and, as far as Alfie is concerned, it is his ‘job’ and his ‘workplace’. He is so incredibly proud of what he does there, and seeing that sense of purpose and happiness means the world to me.”
This transformation is especially remarkable because Alfie was once terrified of dogs. “If he saw one while we were out, he would cross the road and often become very upset,” Samantha recalls. “I never imagined there would come a day when he would look forward to spending time with dogs every single week. The confidence and trust he has developed through Halo Dogs has been incredible to watch.”
Alfie’s favorite dog at Halo Dogs is Stanley, a sausage dog that he talks about at home. But his placement at Halo Dogs goes beyond simply becoming comfortable around animals. It has given him a sense of belonging and purpose. His mother explains, “Its value lies in returning to the same real-world environment, with familiar people and meaningful routines, week after week. Alfie does not describe himself as a visitor: he sees Halo Dogs as somewhere he belongs.”
This is a critical moment, as the Government’s newly published *Young people and work: interim report* reveals that the UK is approaching one million 16- to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment, or training. The report also highlights that young people with SEND are around 80% more likely than average to be in this position. Halo Dogs founder Justin Kumaran believes that Alfie’s success is a testament to the importance of offering 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.”
Oaktree School’s careers programme works with Halo Dogs to build confidence around animals and gain experience in a working environment. Since 2021, Halo Dogs has been supporting weekly placements for Oaktree students. Justin now encourages more employers and community organizations to work with SEND schools to create sustained, well-supported opportunities.
“Too many young people with SEND approach adulthood having repeatedly heard what they cannot do,” he says. “A meaningful placement can change the question from ‘What are the barriers?’ to ‘What can this young person become with the right environment?’ Businesses do not need to have every answer on day one. They can start by opening a door, listening to the school, and making one young person feel expected, useful, and valued.”
Alfie is due to begin his final year at Oaktree School in September, and his family hopes he will return to the place he regards as his workplace. Samantha shares, “After 11 wonderful years at the school, I can honestly say that his experience at Halo Dogs has been one of the most valuable parts of his education. It has given him confidence, independence, responsibility, and, most importantly, something he genuinely loves.” For Samantha, the transformation can be expressed in one simple image: a young person who once crossed the road to escape a dog now cannot wait for Monday morning – and for another day at work alongside Stanley.
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