A letter from a parent to SSEN:BE staff.

SSEN:BE supported the student during their final year of primary schooling, into the following year when transitioning into secondary school. SSEN:BE staff supported the student, their family and built capacity within the school.

Dear SSEN:BE staff

I hope this email finds you both well.

Earlier this week the school told us that you had a meeting and that SSEN:BE wouldn’t be as involved as much in the student’s schooling from now on.
This email is to thank you. I also want you to know how much you have helped our child and our family. A year ago, we could not see any clear way forward. Just now, our child is the happiest they have been in a very long time. We can now say that the school understands our child (and us) and genuinely cares about their engagement, development and wellbeing. We feel confident that if a problem arises, the school will respond with our child’s best interest at the centre of any response. This is the first week (probably since Year 4!!) that our child has attended school for an entire week (for the time intended) – without any issues, only positive feedback AND they are doing schoolwork. We wouldn’t be in this position without your ongoing advocacy, input and support.
Also, I don’t take it for granted that we have had the support of SSEN:BE. All the time I hear stories about distressed and dysregulated children at school and schools using exclusion as the ‘go to’ response. I know that we have been in an extremely fortunate position to have your input for an extended period whilst there are so many families and children requiring support.

THANK YOU

Kind regards

Parent