This blog post was written on 20/2/2020

Well, it’s half term. And there’s quite a lot to say! The Friday that the kids broke up, we had an assessment with HG with their clinical psychologist. They need now to go back to their referral and admission team and get back to me on an answer. I have had a reply of the LA from their response to the complaint I made on the progress of Charlie’s case and although they have apologised, and admitted fault, they still have some work to do in my opinion before they get it right. I am seeing HH again on the 24th February and have tried to contact Linnet Learning Centre to arrange a visit to their Ashby site.

So anyway, Alton Towers! I found this incredible deal online for half term. It was only £170 for the 4 of us (me, Charlie, his brother and his sister) and that was a night in the hotel, shark bait reef (sea life centre), extraordinary golf, admission to the waterpark (normally £62 for us all) breakfast, and all the entertainment. It was worth the money. However, very tiring for the little man. We didn’t manage to finish the golf. And we didn’t do any of the entertainment. But a place like Alton Towers is such a secure environment that the older kids were able to take themselves off especially when the meltdowns occurred. Also, if they wanted to watch the entertainment (unfortunately we chose the Princess takeover hotel, so they didn’t want to) they were able to wander freely around the hotels. Which was a great way of removing themselves from the environment if things got too tough for Charlie.

The waterpark was definitely the best part. Charlie loves the water, it’s a sensory thing. And it really is one of his favourite pastimes and his happy place for sure. And I’m so thankful that we have it so close, and that now we are able to jump in the car and just go! I’ve been driving less than a year, and activities like this is definitely worth all the stress of learning to drive. As it makes opportunities like this so much easier! I’ve learnt over the years, to follow Charlie’s lead on things like holidays, days out etc. His siblings don’t always understand and appreciate it. But it is in all of our interests if we follow a Charlie led trip as it does really make a difference.

I will do more blogs around holidays and days out, because I feel like it is important and that it may give some other families hope, confidence, support and guidance at doing trips like ours and hopefully to be more successful around it. As that is what is important that we give children, and adults with additional needs all the chances of becoming inclusive as we can.

Will definitely consider Alton Towers again, and hopefully when there is an inset day we may pop over there for the theme park. As it is always a much better experience when it’s quieter and we don’t need to queue as long. We went to Drayton Manor a couple of summers ago and it was an absolute nightmare! Never again in the holidays.

It is great though that more theme parks and attractions have so much accessibility and can adapt to the needs of people with additional needs and need a different level of service. Hopefully the rest of our half term will be just as good.

Georgina x