Last week before we broke up from school the whole of Star’s school year were invited to a residential trip at a place called Kingswood.
She came home so excited to tell us about the trip but had failed to understand that it meant staying away from home. She wanted to go, but not stay.
I did write a detailed post on why we finally not to let her go on my Zebra Hooves blog which you can read here if you wish. Apart from her autism, Star also has physical problems and a condition, Elhers Danlos Syndrome, which means her joints are easy to sublux and she gets a lot of pain.
The activities at Kingswood were mostly unsuitable for her, she has never stayed away from home apart from with family and she also has the other issue that I don’t want to mention here, but it would have been a big problem if she was away from home for three days.
When the trip time came, Star was worried about what would happen to her while the rest of her school year were away. There were seven children in total that were not going and the school had not told us what they were going to do. We were all a little anxious.
Then the school phoned and said that they were willing to take the seven children each day and bring them home at the end of the school. It seemed a great solution and Star was more than willing to go.
Of course, we still had issues with the fact that she wouldn’t be able to take part in the activities there anyway, but as she was so keen to go we decided to let her.
The first day she came back and was fairly tired but she’d not really done anything. She’d watched the other children climb walls, and go on the zipwire, and had enjoyed being a spectator but it was sad that she couldn’t take part.
Then the school asked if she wanted to stay for the last night. They had a big party planned and Star was really excited about it all. So, we packed her a bag for one night and she was off. I was so proud of her, it was not a decision taken lightly by any of us but as it was only for one night we thought she would be okay.
We missed her so much at home and could only wait and see how she got on.
She came back the next afternoon really tired and in pain, she hadn’t enjoyed the party and barely had any sleep. But, she’d managed to stay away and look after herself and for that we are really, really proud of her.
She can truly be a Star sometimes!
This is heart warming, Anne, to hear that the school went all out to ensure children didn't feel left out. Our school also does a trip to Kingswood (not sure if the same one – Kent?) and a year 6 trip to France, both of which my husband helps on, and as a school governor & mum I always try to visit the children who haven't gone. There might be very valid reasons – medical, homesickness, financial – but invariably being one of just a couple of children they do feel left out and also the following week when their friends get back! As a fellow disabled zebra who can no longer manage school trips, I salute your little girl and what sounds like a lovely school, Claire x
That is amazing! Well done to her, you must be so proud. And how fantastic of the school to come up with an alternative for Star and the other children who chose not to go. My daughter has her residential in three months' time. It's a long way away, so she will definitely be gone for the whole five days!
Bless her, that's such a huge step. Our 8 year old has a one night stay away coming up in October – I really don't know how he'll cope. He will be terrified, but I know if he can do it, it'll be such a massive achievement that it'll be worth all of the fear. I'm trying to remain blase and unconcerned – it's only February! 😀
It really helps when the school is understanding. I think I made the right choice of school for her anyway. This Kingswood is in Shropshire, I guess it's a popular name. x
It was difficult but I'm so proud of her. My older children both went on school residentials without any issues. I hope your daughter enjoys her, they are a fabulous experience.
I'm sure one night will be ok, I'm pretty certain that Star would not have managed any longer but one night was fine. x
Aww! Well done your girl. It's such a shame she didn't enjoy it and was sore. It sounds like the school did a great job of including her though 🙂 x
This must've been a real bitter sweet moment for you. You must be so proud of how determined Star was to be part of the Travelling group and then have the resilience to stay the night – her first night away!! But clearly you missed her desperately! You must also be reassured by the support your school is giving Star and other pupils who didn't go. Shame the disco wasn't to Star's liking but we'll done for giving it a go!
#ssamazingachievements
Well done to Star for managing an overnight trip away – definitely something to be proud of although it was a shame that she didn't really enjoy it. Glad that the school tried to include the children who didn't go on the residential trip and help them to be involved in it though.
yes, I'm really happy with the school. And they didn't force her to do anything when she was there either. x
It was the disco she was looking forward to most, but it was too noisy and the kids were too wild. But at least she tried.
The school really is good 🙂
Great that the school were so helpful in getting Star involved and Im so glad she enjoyed it all! #blogcrush
Hi, I can imagine this was an emotional time for you all, apprehension mixed with pride. She gave it a go, and that is something to admire greatly ☺☺ #BlogCrush ❤
I'm so glad the school made the decision that all of the children could go even if not staying at night. It sounds like they could have supplied some one to one support though for the activities. I'm glad Star stayed for the party even if she didn't really enjoy it. It gave her the chance to experience it and give her the experience to decide what to do if there is another school trip #SSAmazingAchievements
i remember reading about your concerns re a residential trip and think it was great that the children who weren't staying got to experience the activities. It's a shame that she didn't enjoy the party but it was a big enough challenge to be there and stay. Well done her! Thanks for linking up with #SSAmazingAchievements
It must have been very difficult seeing your daughter really want to do something but knowing it just wouldn't be possible. I am glad Star managed to go for the day trips though and got to stay for the last night. Thank you for linking up with us at #BlogCrush