First steps

Ashley has Developmental Delay which means he is basically like a 38 pound one year old.

Because of this he has been Statemented which means when he starts
School Nursery in September he will have a Carer and equipment to help
him thrive in a mainstream school.

Today we met with the Head of Infants, his carer-to-be, our Portage
worker and the town’s Special Needs Coordinator to start the planning
for his induction later this term and his first few weeks in September.

I won’t bore you with the details but I will say that although the
meeting was very productive (the Head of Infants is a remarkable
woman!) it was also very difficult.

As parents we have always been fierce in protecting Ashley from
unnecessary treatment, rough handling, long days in hospital etc. Today
felt a little like we were delegating some of that responsibility to
these people. As such we have to be sure that everything is up to
scratch. So it was difficult.

However, one day in the long distant future Ashley will hopefully be
independent and we have to work towards that. September will be a step
on that path.