I want to say a massive thank you for all you have done for my daughter since she started.

The change I am reflecting on this morning is nothing short of remarkable as I look back over the last 12 months.

This time last year she was attending education sporadically and completely dysregulated and lost every single day.

Home life was horrendous, and the summer looked bleak. September came and it was clear that she could not return to that environment.

I contacted all organisations I could think of to obtain support and education for my lost girl. The journey which followed blew my mind.

The day Maria phoned to arrange the home visit was such a positive step.

Maria – your visit to our home was so positive. The way you just ‘got’ my child was fantastic. Her fears were heard, her questions were answered, and her interest was piqued enough to agree to a visit. I was gobsmacked.

Sarah – your calm demeanour during the visit put her at ease and that moment when she said “yeah, I’ll go here” was the happiest I’d felt in 12 months.

There have been some days of worries and wobbles since joining, but your support has been incredible, and you’ve listened to every worry and offered solutions where you could, and explanations where you could not.

Small steps have led to big improvements, and I have also appreciated the moments where you have slowed me down, reminding me of how far we’ve come.

I am forever grateful, the work you do makes a BIG difference not only to the young people in your setting but also their whole families.

Keep doing what you do. I am certain that my words reflect the journey of so many other students and families for whom you have made a difference.