My child went to school today

My child went to school today.

No big deal, right?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Because you expect it, don’t you?

For a child to attend school hassle free, if they wish.

It’s the norm.

A given.

Standard.

You know

In this ‘inclusive’ country we allegedly live in.

This wealthy, developed country that blows its education trumpet nearly as loudly as its NHS one.

But for some kids, it isn’t hassle free.

It isn’t a given.

‘Standard’ is a mould you just don’t fit.

The last few months, I’ve been embroiled in yet another battle over my son’s education.

This time over transport.

And finally - finally, as from today - he has been awarded the transport assistance he is entitled to that will enable him to get to school safely.

Today, is his first day at High School.

But not before I first went through

- A complaints procedure

- Two appeal processes

- Countless hours of research

- Arranging for a charity to write a technical letter

- Instructing a solicitor to commence a judicial review

- Spending nearly £400 on legal fees.

Oh, and going to hell and back as a family.

You’ll notice I’ve not been very active on here.

My energy has been utterly depleted by this cruel, consuming drama.

Fending off officials, dealing with a legal team, preparing evidence for meetings, enlisting the support of professionals - all whilst attempting to accommodate a child with well documented additional needs all day long.

Why is a simple process like securing appropriate school transport made so difficult for parents of kids with additional needs, who already have so much to contend with?

We already have fewer options, less patience, more stress.

We are already drained by meeting after meeting.

Form after form.

Battle after battle.

So, what has my son been learning whilst he’s been at home with me?

He’s been learning about:

- Fighting injustice.

- Not rolling over and giving in at the first hurdle.

- Calmly gathering your evidence

- Having faith in what you know to be right.

He’s learned that sadly, life isn’t fair, knowledge is power, and that spirits exist to be raised and never broken.

And for a person with additional needs, who will no doubt face many more challenges ahead, these are lessons that will eclipse anything he’ll ever learn in a classroom.

I repeat,

My child went to school today.

Something millions of children do every day.

That, is all.