Never enough time......!

Whilst sitting in McDonald’s, and trying to figure out how to order on the app (harder than I thought….), I was pondering when I am going to write my blog. It then suddenly dawned on me……do it now! I am waiting for my car to have a new tyre and a heap of new brake pads. Totally unexpected and not budgeted for, so I have time.

So, to stop me worrying about the abuse my credit card is getting…..here is my first blog of 2024…..

HELLO 2024

I think it is fair to say that this January hasn’t been as depressing as others but in terms of ‘luck’ it has been ‘interesting’…I managed to put my thumb through my brand new pair of snag tights that were a gift from my best friend at Christmas. Now the car and then…….the list goes on but I’ll save you.

At the end of last year, some of the children I support were in hospital and were experiencing very varied responses from the health service…..this is fuelling some of my work for this year. Health inequality remains an issue and one I want to be part of changing.

This term I am focussing on ‘appropriate’ in my extended PSHE sessions. I decided to make a Dice of Dilemma and a Board Game. Why? But there you go. I’m now thinking of questions, choices and dilemmas to use in the game. A personal highlight for me so far: one student said “I cannot talk or think about penis’ when I am eating chocolate”. Fair point.

I’m busy planning some sensory sessions for the children with PMLD I support…..no-bot is a good book and will be nice to sign along to too. Talking of which, I’m hoping to increase my presence on YouTube and social media with Makaton, sensory bits and pieces and hauls.

Garage has called - car is ready for collection! Byeeeee x

A busy but lovely week

I’m back in schools now so it feels like autumn is well and truly on its way.

I had an eventful start to one school where I support small groups of children to learn Makaton. The beginning of term is always chaotic and busy. The staff are working so hard but I’m sure me rocking up with a bag of stuff to lead sessions around “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” was very unhelpful!!

You know when you get those moments where you think……oh dear, look at me now….? Well, this happened on Monday afternoon in one of my Makaton sessions. There were 4 children with me and 1 member of support staff who was lovely. The children are all around the age of 7ish. They are delightful and enthusiastic. At one point, whilst signing ‘polar bear’ all 4 children were not engaged: 1 was heading for the door at speed, 1 was laying on the floor under the table, 1 was jumping on the table and the other 1 was planking on his chair……. The staff are amazing and take all this in their stride. The complex needs of children with SEND and their limited concentration due to their additional needs makes for some interesting experiences…..but I love what I do and I love the progress they make over the year.

In another school I’m leading some Extended PSHE sessions….the highlight for me was the conversation around ‘puberty’. It is such an overwhelming experience especially for young people with SEND and autism. One student said they had heard about it but were unhappy about it. So that’s what we are going to be tackling now…..in an attempt to reduce their anxiety and give them facts and support systems.

In other news it has been hot. Not just warm. Not just hot. But unbearably and uncomfortably hot……lots of puzzles and stories in the shade with fluid.

Anyway, got to dash! I have to pop to the vets to pick up my cat’s medication….

Byeeeeee

Out of Office - can I actually relax?

Learning to relax, unwind, compartmentalise and have a good sense of wellbeing is very important in today’s busy world.

We can all agree to this. It makes perfect sense; keeps us healthy, gives us balance in our lives and ensures we are content…….but is it easy to do? The short answer, for me, is no. So there ends the blog post - ha ha ha.

I find my identity and safe place is in my work. I love what I do. It’s my vocation, my motivator and my purpose. My confidence is higher and I feel understood - something I struggle with outside of work. So, I work. A lot. But I also need the money and the current cost of living situation has hit me hard (like many others too) so time off is filled with guilt and worry. Therefore, unwinding and relaxing are a luxury in my head and not a necessity. I am aware of this and know this needs to change but it is a struggle…..

This year, for the first time since 2017 I planned 3 weeks out of my diary for a break. This was done in January with the momentum of ‘new beginnings’ and all that usual newer-new me nonsense. But the dates have stayed and I’m just back from a week at the seaside. Not a perfect week but a good week and one I’ll try and improve on next year.

However you relax and unwind - I hope you find it beneficial to you xxx

Tired......

It’s the time of year when everything seems to be ‘fun’ but utterly exhausting - the only time of the year worst than this is Christmas! So far, I’ve been to a prom, an awards ceremony, attended appointments, chased up resources, been hungover and written reports…..the list is endless.

So, I think I need to re-focus on my wellbeing and happiness. Time at home is really important to me and I’ve not been having any of it recently. I have a few days off so I’m going to be at home and potter about: clearing out cupboards, crocheting and ignoring the garden. Much needed. I’ll definitely be in my happy place.

Over the next 6 weeks, in-between work, I’m going to meet up with friends, potter at home, de-clutter cupboards and drawers, and tackle my office space.

Running alongside this is my hope that I will be able to develop some business ideas and implement them so they’re ready by October…….wish me luck!

tired but smiling

Prom

It is that time of year when all students in Year 11 have forgotten about their GCSEs and all students in Year 13 don’t care the outcome of their A Levels…..they’re looking forward to summer and Prom season is in full swing. Students with SEND and those with who attend special schools and provisions are no different……they are also looking forward to the summer, the lie-ins and the anticipation of their new provision in September.

This week saw A attending her Prom. It is an amazing night and a real highlight of how amazing the staff and students are and what they are working towards: adulthood.

I often feel the anticipation and preparation for big events, like Prom, are better than the actual event. A was so looking forward to Prom; dressing up, having her hair and make-up done and wearing her new outfit. She loved all this. She enjoyed Prom but it can be overwhelming……things like being comfortable, personal care, hydration and medication all have an impact and these are the things we cannot control for the individual. Everything else is manageable but these things are internal and can make or break an event/Prom.

But.

Prom is a right of passage and A loved it. I fully support the inclusion of everyone in a way they can manage, understand and participate in.

Prom 2023

Interactions matter

I often feel the pressure to do ‘amazing’ activities with the children I support. With ‘amazing’ comes a self-imposed expectation that it will involve a lot of time out the house, money and stuff. However, the more I do what I do, the more I realise the small things are what matter and what relationships are based on.

Due to the complex nature of the children I support, I always want to focus on ‘making memories’ and sharing a wonderful moment so if it is the last time I see them, we both have a lovely memory. With this in mind, I wanted to focus on the small interactions we have rather than on big events and how the small things are actually ‘amazing’.

This week, A and I shared a gossip (something she loves) - we started talking about the soaps and then people we knew…..A was in her element. We also like to have a laugh together and for A this involves me being ‘told off’ or her Dad ‘sacking me’……..or as this week shows; hitting me in the head. My GCSE grade B in Drama comes in very handy in these moments. I never thought this would be the case but glad it was not a waste of time. LOL!

Both of us reflected on our lovely day together and giggled about it afterwards. Such great memories. However, to anyone else we just spent the day at home together.

Its worth remembering - the interactions matter x

Summer activities bucket list.....Part 1

I’ve come across this Summer Bucket List (with over 100 ideas I’ll have you know) on Instagram. I think it’s from America but I was wondering how the activities could be adapted to children and adults with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities) needs. I’ve noticed that not is incredibly hard for parents to play with their children who have complex needs due to their focus on meeting their high medical needs. With this in mind…..and to try and be helpful……here are my thoughts…….

MAKE A TIE-DYE SHIRT - this would be great for people with sight. the water, t-shirt and string and can be explored. Colours can be chosen and the end result worn. Definitely possible, especially if you already have the dye.

CATCH FIREFLIES - I’ve no idea what fireflies are so I’m thinking maybe not this one.

RUN THROUGH SPRINKLERS - Being carried through or wheeled through a sprinkler is great fun and definitely worth a go. When the weather is hot and you’re desperately trying to cool someone down this activity would be great.

PLAY MARCO POLO - no idea so I’ll ignore this one.

HOMEMADE ICE-CREAM - oh yes! Exploring the ingredients would be great…..but so is buying ice-cream and eating it - either works for me! Ice-cream is already pureed and easily orally consumed so a great food (and very tasty too).

DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE - I’m thinking an iPad in the garden will do the same: blankets out, cold drinks and popcorn (to eat or explore) and lights. A lovely evening activity.

HAVE A WATER BALLOON FIGHT - water play is great fun and when the weather is hot it really helps to support people to reduce their temperature when/if they’re too hot: feet in a bowl of water, hands in a tray, mister fan, etc.

STARGAZE - Nope -if the stars are out you should be in bed asleep.

HAVE A PICNIC - oh yes indeed! I’m all about the picnic. Definitely a great activity to do……weekly in my opinion.

VISIT A NURSING HOME - unless you know and/or are related to someone in a nursing home, don’t do this one……definitely one to avoid.

PLAY AT THE PARK WITH FRIENDS - well……this is an interesting one as the concept of ‘friendship’ can be a challenge for people with PMLD needs. Often friendships are heavily constructed and supported by the people that support them. So……going to the park is great - is it accessible? Is there a Changing Places provision? However getting out in the fresh air is so important so I think this is a good one to go for too.

BLOW BUBBLES - bubbles are great. Fact. Lots of my sessions and activities feature bubbles. The bubble machine is a great purchase - I got mine for £5.00 from The Works and it came with a huge bottle of bubbles. So much fun. You can even buy a bubble machine that links to a switch so it can be operated by the individual.

EAT WATERMELON - watermelon is great: easy to eat and great for hydration. One of the families I support adds salt to their watermelon during the heat of the summer to support hydration…..actually really good. Anyway….explore watermelon, blend watermelon, eat/drink it too.

READ AT LEAST 10 BOOKS - As you will probably guess, I like this one: reading to a story to someone is great, basing activities around a story is great for structuring your ideas when everything seems a little impossible or you’re out of ideas. I also like the CD story books as the voices are often really good. Always have a book in your bag to read to someone when you’re out or about. Very handy indeed.

WATCH FIREWORKS - if you like them, great. If not, avoid. Goes without saying.

DANCE IN THE RAIN - forget the rain - just dance! Sing and dance together. Get out the musical instruments and just let loose.

PLAY FRISBEE - getting people with PMLD needs out the house is the goal; go to the park, explore and play with balls, rackets, frisbees, skipping ropes - have fun!

WATCH THE SUNSET AT THE BEACH - or on telly.

ROAST MARSHMALLOWS - yes please. Delicious. If roasting seems too much f a challenge then just eat them or add them to hot chocolate with cream. Delicious.

I’ll stop now for this week - but you get the idea……make it adaptable if you can, follow the person’s interests and do your best. The person wants to spend time with you and have fun together, it does not have to a big, elaborate activity…….the small things in life are important.

Happy Summer! x

A few days away

I’m a little behind with things at the moment as I’ve spent 3 days at the beautiful Hampshire coast. I am on ‘catch-up’ but you never really do, do you…….especially as I spilt coffee on the lounge rug yesterday so I’ve got to shampoo that later on today…..

Anyway……I took my laptop with me and I was able to respond to urgent things which was great for my mental load. I did not work but just responded to things as they popped up. I’ll definitely do this again as it really helped me.

Have a lovely weekend!

Coronation Celebrations at Keech Hospice Care

The hospice local to me is Keech Hospice Care and is on the Luton, Central Bedfordshire border. On Tuesday last week the Children’s hospice hosted a fabulous and, might I say, very regal coronation party.

There was the usual; cupcakes and tea…..obviously. But there was an ice-cream van, a princess, a farm, balloon arches and ponies dressed as a King and Queen. A great selection of sensory experiences for the children and for the families to engage in. For me, the two ponies were a personal highlight. Their costumes were so good and it just tickled me. A loved posing with them…..although her Mum was scared and they kept heading for her!

The Ark were there with chickens and rabbits. A loved having a rabbit on her and was happy to pose for a photo. Classic A!

There was an amazing balloon arch, for photos, by swoosh events. Plus the fabulous ponies and so much more. I think it’s fair to say that everyone had a great time and the weather was actually dry for the party which was a bonus.

I also became a stalker and insisted, rather embarrassingly, of saying hello to the two fabulous Mums from the Instragm accounts: Emily in Motherland and Robins Wonderful World. I gushed all over them and made a right plonker of myself but they were kind and wonderful, as you’s expect, and coped well with me!

The voice of parents/carers in these situations is powerful and needed to ensure that people like myself maintain our focus on the feelings of people living this journey.

Respite care for a baby

I’ve been busy using my crochet granny square blankets this week so I’ve been in my happy place :-)

I have been supporting a baby whilst his parent/carer has a break. So far this has involved a bath in a washing up bowl, nursery rhymes on the telly and lots of sensory toys. However, the highlight has been wrapping the baby up in my homemade granny square blankets…..I knew having a pile of them would one day come in handy. I’m now thinking of adding these (not these exact ones but ones similar - you know what I mean!) to my Etsy shop as I think other people mighty light them too……maybe?

Anyway…..here are some photos from my week of looking after a baby.

Random selection of photos after a month of being poorly

Oh my goodness - that chesty virus thing that involves sickness and ear pain is awful, but after one month, it’s finally left me! Whoop whoop! So, I’m finally get back on track with life instead of dragging myself through the day and crawling into bed at 6pm.

So welcome back!

This week I’ve discovered the ‘healing’ qualities of a creme egg McFlurry - stay with me, I’m going somewhere……Whilst feeling very unwell and my throat feeling sore I craved something cold. I was having to get a new tyre so on the way home I drove into McDonalds and this is where the healing started…..creme egg McFlurry. I felt so much better afterwards and I’m guessing it’s just because it was very cold and smooth to digest rather than actually being ‘healing’ but……I’ve had 3 in 2 weeks just in case.

At the weekend I popped along to Sensory Magic in Biggleswade where the amazing Ally has her provision: a beautiful sensory room for babies, children and adults. C, who I take there, features on the advertising on Ally’s car which her family love. Such a great provision and definitely one to check out.

I am going to be working with a baby next week so I thought I’d practice getting the car seat into my car. Whenever I leave my house in the morning I never see anyone……yesterday was different: everyone was out and they all started congratulating me. I ended up saying; “It’s for work, I’m just fat!” over and over again - oh well. But, I fitted it into the car much easier than I anticipated so I’m hopeful that can be repeated - only time will tell.

And now, finally, onto my feet! I have decided it is summer so dragged out my sandals however the weather is not on the same page as me and I have suffered cold toes and wet feet twice this week. I then started supporting a new family who request you wear ‘house shoes’ - I took along flip-flops. Big mistake. They were a nightmare to slip on and off without my head being filled with swear words and the flip-flops spinning around on the floor whilst I attempt to jab my foot into it. On the way home I popped into Sainsburys and picked up these rather fabulous slider-like-things for only £8. I have high hopes for these working - fingers crossed!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend and I’ll be back soon x

Nothing to add this week

Although I say I’ve nothing to add this week - I’ve got lots of ideas in my head and lots of things I want to write about……however this week has been one of those weeks where it has been like swimming in treacle and not feeling well. So I’m leaving this here to remind myself it is ok to not have things completed to my usual high standards - it’s good enough!

See you next week

Affordable Activities

With the current cost of living and images on social media, I think it can be hard to be creative with the children we support without thinking that activities have to be ‘big’ and expensive. I am determined to challenge this perception and remind us all (me included!) that fun can be had through affordable activities.

I’ve looked back over the last two weeks to see if I have any photos of some great affordable activities I have created and supported the children to engage and participate…..here are some of the ideas I have done……

1. A tray (the tray is from The Works - 3 for £1) and filled with a couple of large spoonfuls of mint hot chocolate powder. The smell is amazing and the texture is great to explore.

2. A sensory toy - I think was in a sale and only cost £2. It’s easy to clean and I’ve had out several months now. Definitely a good purchase.

3. Going out for a drive. A likes to fill her van up with diesel so we do that and have a little drive and head home. She loves this.

4. Having a chat together - this is great for some many reasons and it’s free. Keep talking and including the child.

5. Barbie doll and some road tape. The doll is several years old and I’m amazed she still has both her shoes on. The road tape cost £1 in a toy shop sale. As you can tell; I love a sale!

Activities do not have to be expensive or be big days out…….children need time, attention and you. Happy playing!

Carer Life

I thought I’d spend a minute or two discussing the trails and tribulations of dressing for work as a carer……

So, fabric has to be strong, durable, thin (but not see-through), stretchy (but not too stretchy), comfortable and appropriate in length.

I spend much of my time sitting on the floor, in bathrooms, supporting transfers (moving people around) and in the community. With this in mind my outfits have to be appropriate, professional and comfortable.

Here are some MUSTS:

1. High neck tops (no exposure when leaning over of being pulled)

2. Short sleeves

3. Pockets - essential, no further comment needed

4. Long tops or short dresses

5. Leggings - long, 3/4 length or knee but always leggings

6. Trainings - no laces just slip on and off ones

7. Quality fabric - no buttons in case they ping open or are pulled.

Then we get onto the bag………easy clean ruck-sack style for hands free moving. The bag needs to contain everything you need for the end of the world. Literally everything you need.

I’ll get some outfits to post up soon…..I have about 3-4 on repeat.

Makaton - CHEESE

Here is, in my opinion, one of the best foods in the world and how to sign it…….cheese!

Happy signing and enjoy!

Makaton - COLD

Good morning everyone

Here is the Makaton sign for COLD……which is very appropriate today as it’s quite nippy outside.

Happy signing and stay warm!

Makaton - CLOTHES

Each week the wonderful Makaton Charity upload a new sign and symbol onto their social media. As a Makaton Tutor, I want to promote these to you, and the charity encourage this. However, I am behind as a sign is release each week and I have yet to upload any! But that is changing today so here is 2023 week one’s sign: CLOTHES

Happy signing and please do not hesitate in contacting me if you want too find out how I can support you on your Makaton journey.

Charity Shop Haul

Sometimes you wander into your local charity with high hopes of finding some fabulous things and are profoundly disappointed with what is there. Today, however, was different….. I popped in to see if the had any champagne glasses - not the tall thin ones but the old fashioned ones that are not deep but wide…..know what I mean? Anyway, they didn’t. I wandered over to the toy section, as normal, and was amazed at all the fabulous bits and pieces they had there….

This all cost £16 which I think is brilliant.

There is a bag of random plastic cubes and balls which are great to explore and are light to hold. Some of the children I support like to bang items onto a surface so these are perfect as they won’t make such a loud noise. The child instigating the banging is usually happy with the noise but not everyone in the room is so I am hoping this will be a compromise.

I love wooden toys. They look so beautiful and timeless…..although they do hurt if they hit you but that’s an occupational hazard ;-) There was a musical crocodile, an owl puzzle and number blocks which were unopened! I thought I had won the lottery when I saw this. Ha ha ha. The ELC bag has wooden dominoes in it which have animals on one side and numbers on the other. A real find.

Some of the children I support love dolls. They are great to play with and use as a tool for identifying feelings. With this week being Children’s Mental Health this is a perfect resource…..and only £3!

You cannot beat a rummage around a charity shop - I had a lovely time and I know the children I support will benefit from these resources straight away.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

All this for £16

January - the longest month of the year

Oh. My. Goodness. January is long. That’s a fact and we are all suffering (that is also a fact).

I thought I would record some of the sensory activities I have been doing in January with the amazing children I support.

I love a garden and I love being outside in the garden. BUT. I hate gardening. I’m not interested in it and I have no skills either - so a bad situation all round really. However, I recently ‘did some horticulture’ (listen to me!! ha ha ha) and supported two children to grow cress. We explored the pots and kitchen roll. We explored the water and added it to the kitchen roll. Just a heads up; the seeds are small and travel far…….but some of them made it into the pots and then we abdanoned the pots on the side for a week…….ta dar! We grew cress. I was so happy. The children less so. I did have visions of making egg and cress for lunch but if you look at the cress you’ll see that was not an option. Thankfully supermarkets grow cress perfectly.

I occasionally enjoy a hot chocolate - perhaps once a year, so the gift of 6 delicious smelling hot chocolate tubs was going to take a lifetime to get through. As the hot chocolate was a posh one - you know - the smell was amazing. With this in mind I used the powder as the base for a sensory tray and added different textures to contrast the powder. This went down a treat and, luckily, it was easy to hoover up when it ended up on the floor! Every cloud……

I love washable (has to be washable) paint. Some of the families I support are very hesitant when I arrive at their homes brandishing paint, but others are a little braver. I always use covers and always clean up afterwards to ease any stress of paint getting on the carpets…..and if wiped up quickly you’d never even know it had been there. And that’s what I’m sticking to. We recently used paint to explore with our hands and then pushed cardboard hearts into the pattern to make a bunting. I am one of those people that is not interested in a perfect end result. I want to know what the child has explored; what senses were used to create the paint patterns and then I want ti capture these beautiful creations (this time on a heart). I do not want to see something that is clearly heavily lead by adult intervention. I want to see what the child has created. That is where the beauty can be found.

That’s enough from me for now - I’m off to run a Makaton taster session for parents now. But I’ll be back with more information about that soon!

Also - just for information: I support a variety of different children and in a variety of different settings but I do not have photo permission for all, hence why the faces of the children you do are are often the same ones. Just in case you were wondering…..

Willen Lake

Well, well, well, Willen Lake has really improved.

There is an new area where you access the water sports which has a Changing Places facility, a cafe, viewing balcony, so much. The Changing Places toilet was spotlessly clean and well resourced. Unfortunately the radar key does not work for the lock and you have to go to the reception area to get the ‘green’ key. When I enquired about this it was explained to me that the facility cost £100k to install (wow) and it has been misused and vandalised several times so the staff keep the key. How sad that people cannot respect property which enables the moist vulnerable people in society to have their personal care needs met with dignity and respect. This facility enables people to spend the whole day out, rather than having to dash home to goto the toilet or, even worse, have to lay on a toilet floor to have their care needs met.

It was slightly awkward when I left the Changing Places with a child to discover a member of staff had been waiting outside to lock up after we left and must have heard me singing to the child and posing in the mirror for a thumbs up photo - oh dear……..

There is not much shade at Willen Lake - because it’s a lake - but it is worth remembering if you’re taking someone who burns in the sun. I tended to stop every 30 mins and re-apply sun lotion. I can’t imagine that was too annoying……. One lady I supported kept walking to a bench and sitting down and then signing ‘tea’. When she felt I was not responding quickly enough she temporarily reinstated her fear of dogs - but not over the happy small dog pulling on the lead. Oh no. She decided to develop a ‘fear’ of two ancient, grey, black labradors who were sitting calmly watching her. The shame. I did point this out to her but she was adamant these placid and calm dogs were terrifying……once back in the car she instantly forgot all about her ‘fear’. Funny that.

The new water sports building has a cafe, the splash park does too and there are various fast food stalls and ice-cream vans dotted around. The pub on site is called The Lakeside. A member of staff called Lucy served us. She. Was. Amazing. You know some people ‘get it’ - well, she did. When I booked the table I put in the ‘special requirements’ box that one member of the group had additional needs/autism and would benefit, if possible, from a quieter table. Our allocated table was beautifully stuck between a table with a crying baby and another table with two children shouting. Lucy, instead, opened up the third section of the restaurant and we were part of it all but on the edge - how thoughtful. When it came to ordering, instead of queuing up at the bar as I was about to, Lucy ushered us back to our seats and took our order. It’s the small things that count and I am so appreciative of the fabulous Lucy - thank you! As a result the lady I was supporting ate all her dinner because she was calm.

Willen Lake has its own big wheel - I do not think it’s wheelchair accessible and the mobile person I was supporting, refused to get on it, so I’ve no idea what it is like……

Outside the Water Sports Venue is an accessible park with a roundabout that is suitable for wheelchairs. This is great to see and was used by us and lots of much younger children who were loving it too. There is a bucket swing which one child I support really loves, but it takes 3 people to get them in the swing; one to lift the child and two to hold the swing firm. And then there is the ‘getting out’ process……

Basically its a great day out which you can make as cheap or expensive as you want. The only thing I would say is parking is around £4.00 for 4 hours and this includes blue badge holders. The car park is quite small so getting there early is definitely better.

Have a lovely Bank Holiday!