Wow what a turnaround! I can’t believe the change in Charlie this week. It seems crazy, and I can’t quite believe the change of events. Charlie is absolutely loving school. There was a decision made to change his classroom after Christmas. I was dubious about this, because Charlie hates change, and I though it would lead to regression and set him back. My anxiety on this was at an all time high! However, it turns out that this has been the best decision for Charlie and that the decision to move him classrooms was absolutely the right thing to do.

Charlie has missed out on so much. Having a peer group, having a best friend, enjoying a learning, creative, nurturing environment and of course the ability to attend education that suits him. The difference in having an independent specialist school is that if mornings are too difficult, for whatever reason then he can come in at whatever time suits him. He initiates activities, it is very child led and they learn through play which is very nurturing. It’s almost as if he’s back in Reception, which makes my heart feel heavy as he is 9 years old. However, this is what is necessary, for him to repair the damage that was caused by inappropriate placements.

It’s hard now, when Charlie has done an astonishing 18 hours in education this week, that this little boy used to run off, attack, scratch, kick anyone who even attempted to encourage him into school. That the thought of going to school was so terrifying for him that he would rather not go. That the thought of being separated from me for a whole day was so difficult for him that the answer was to go into fight or flight mode. What a corner we have turned.

It is not quite done yet. We still have more steps to take before I can really say he’s fully transitioned. We have to do a Monday after the weekend. It is really difficult to engage Charlie after the weekends. Also, sticking on transitions, after a school holiday. Transitioning him back into school, that too will be challenging and we will have to see how he manages and what can be done to make sure that the transition is as smooth as it can be. And that is when I will finally believe it is true. When we are in a position that Charlie bounces back into school, after any sort of break at all.

Charlie even went swimming today, so again another barrier and something that helps his development and sensory needs so much that it benefits him. He asked to ring me after swimming because he just needed to hear my voice. And again, that is why this sort of placement is ideal for Charlie. Because, they are the little touches that make him feel so secure which means this placement has been a success.

If anyone is wondering what I am doing with all this spare time I have accumulated, believe me it’s not drinking cocktails and lunching like I have no responsibilities. Even, without the pandemic, I still wouldn’t be doing those things because there is just so much to do. We are due an EHCP Annual Review, which I have some evidence gathering and paperwork to do for. Our DLA claim has a little over 4 months left before it renews so I will also be gathering evidence and support for that. I regularly research so many therapies, vitamins/supplements and dietary ingredients to make sure Charlie is not missing any nutrients or anything that may make life that little bit easier on him. There is always a form to fill in, an assessment that needs completing, a review that is overdue and this is the life admin of a SEN child. Charlie will keep me busy for a long time. Not to mention the fact that the house ends up in disrepair and gets neglected a lot! And I have a paid employment role with ongoing training.

However, that is taking away the joy of this special day and how far Charlie has come along his journey. I am so pleased with his progress and I must of told him 1000 times tonight how special his is and how proud everyone is of him for conquering his demons, being brave and giving school the best of chances.

Here’s to a happy weekend.

Georgina x