This week

The week started off very quietly, with very little work in the diary. All that changed, however, and I've been rushed off my feet. I have worked in my regular school twice, a local school (just 2 mins walk away..) and I have another regular tomorrow if the snow and ice that they've promised us stays away. Wednesday was a bit different. I was offered work for the morning only, teaching RE to cover PPA time in a school in a very deprived area with challenging children. The reason I know this is that I worked there for a few weeks going back before my permanent contract. OK, they've had a brand new building, opened in September, but I knew that my day wasn't going to be easy. And yes, you've guessed, it was a tough one - at least for the morning. I managed the little angels well, and we all got along really well. Then I was asked if I could stay on for the afternoon, this time in the Complex Needs class. I agreed, but wasn't quite sure what I was letting myself in for. Yes, I have had a huge amount of experience of children with a range of different needs, but a Complex Needs class..? I wasn't sure I was up to it.

As it turned out I had a ball! There were just 6 children in the class, with needs ranging from moderate to severe. It was hard work, and I could understand why the regular staff were feeling frazzled, but I could also appreciate the rewards that working with these children could bring. I had a thoroughly wonderful time.

The rest of the week has been difficult, as we fast approach Half Term. Never have I felt the need for a break so much, even when I was travelling over 100 miles a day in my previous post. I guess the dark, snowy winters don't help. Still, spring is approaching fast.

Over the next few days I will be working hard on some resources to celebrate HM the Queen's Golden Jubilee. This is a huge event for the UK, and I know that every school over here will be celebrating in some way or other. I'll be sure to share my offerings with you as they are completed.

Goodnight for now