Rebuilding Confidence After a Long Road to Recovery

Florence began her Bright Futures programme in September 2025, just after starting Year 2. At only six years old, she had already faced more challenges than most children her age. After being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February 2022, Florence spent nearly three years in and out of hospital.

Although she is now in remission and off treatment, those years away from school left a significant gap in her learning and a real knock to her confidence. Returning to the classroom felt overwhelming. Florence was behind her peers and struggling with separation anxiety from her mum, Sarah, making the transition back to school especially tough.

A Supportive Match from the Very Beginning

When Florence was matched with her tutor, Robyn, both felt hopeful straight away. Robyn is warm, energetic, and brings with her nine years of RAF experience, a newly completed degree in Primary Education Studies, and a genuine passion for children’s wellbeing.

As a mum to a three-year-old daughter herself, Robyn shared early on that Florence reminded her so much of her own little girl. That connection felt natural from the very beginning and laid the foundation for a trusting, supportive relationship.

Finding Her Voice Through Playful Learning

During their introduction call, Florence started off very quietly, barely speaking at all. Robyn gently encouraged her with questions about dancing, crafts, gymnastics, and all the things Florence loves. By the end of the call, Florence had warmed up completely and was happily chatting away.

That first spark set the tone for their sessions. Learning was designed to be playful, encouraging, and confidence-building. Robyn made sure sessions were fun and flexible, adding dance breaks and creative activities to help Florence stay engaged and focused.

Patience, Trust, and Steady Progress

The early weeks required patience and flexibility. Florence sometimes struggled to engage fully and found it hard to be apart from her mum during sessions. Robyn met her exactly where she was, noticing when her focus dipped and adapting activities quickly to suit her needs.

In October, Florence’s mum shared that “Robyn has great patience with Flossy” and had “figured Flossy’s needs out very quickly.” She also added, “The fact she is still willing to join weekly says a lot!” — a huge achievement in itself.

Robyn felt just as positive, describing Florence as “an amazing little character and a bright spirit.” By November, she reflected proudly, “Flossy is absolutely thriving. I am so incredibly proud of how far she has come and how well she is doing.”

A Milestone Moment of Independence

A huge milestone arrived in November, when Florence felt confident enough for her mum to leave the room during a session. At the start of the programme, she had been incredibly shy and unable to separate at all.

Now, Florence was reading independently with Robyn, smiling, engaging, and showing real pride in her progress. Her mum celebrated this growth too, saying, “Since Flossy started her sessions she has come on really well and is progressing.”

Looking Ahead with Confidence and Joy

Alongside her tutoring, Florence is now attending school much more consistently. She’s making it in most mornings and feeling far less overwhelmed by the work she missed. Her confidence has grown not only academically, but socially too, as she participates more with her peers.

Robyn and Florence now meet once a week for a longer session, with plans to gently stretch Florence’s concentration even further as she continues to grow. Florence arrives excited and ready to learn every time.

Their journey together is still unfolding, but it’s already clear that Florence is stepping forward with more confidence, joy, and belief in herself than ever before