Hope beyond unauthorised absence: an update from Maddie
Oh, how he has grown!
Maddie here... It’s been over four years since we launched the petition, and as you can see, Harleigh has grown so much… and yes, definitely in height! But what has been far more heartwarming is seeing him blossom and thrive emotionally, mentally and socially in the years since he first started struggling to attend his previous school.
Support that could meet Harleigh’s needs was life-changing for us. It took such hard work and dedication from specialist educators who understood his needs and the trauma he had experienced. It takes true skill, dedication and patience to build trusting bonds with children who have had negative experiences in school.
Then, very gradually, and with the right alternative provision, something happened that we never expected… Harleigh was ready for an independent specialist school. He is happy, thriving, and he now has a school and a community where he can be himself and is valued. Socially, he has found peers with similar experiences and formed real friendships.
This experience has taken up years of my life and my family’s lives: battling unauthorised absences, seeking support, countless meetings, emails and tears. It has been an ordeal I would not wish on any family. Harleigh is finally settled and doing well.
But it shouldn’t be this hard.
So whilst I am so thankful that Harleigh now has the right support, my passion, fight and determination to make change for other families will always continue.
And if one thing comes out of our family’s horrendous experience, let it be that we make a change so other families don’t face the threat of fines or prosecution for unauthorised absence when their vulnerable children can’t attend school.
Then, maybe, just maybe, it will all have had a purpose.
Wishing you and your families well,
Maddie
p.s If you or someone you know is struggling to support a young person who has barriers to attending school you can find free information and support at https://notfineinschool.co.uk/