Going back to school after a long break is never easy. From the nerves of being in an unfamiliar classroom to the panic of where to sit at lunch, from desperately trying to fit in with a certain hairstyle to being worried about asking a question in lessons, the challenges that a new school year brings can feel huge- and our children and young people are no different!

As adults, we know that these “first days” generally do get easier as we get older, but trying to explain this to a child in fear is never straightforward. What we can do, however, is cheer them on, show them love and celebrate the little wins whenever they come. And for the wonderful staff team at one of our Compass Children’s Homes, they’ve really shown what love and patience can achieve. M has struggled for many years to wear a school uniform and instead could often only wear Minecraft-themed clothing, but with the help of social stories, shopping trips, open conversations and lots of patience, M bravely wore his new school uniform today!

This is a lovely reminder that what might seem a simple task for one person is, for another, a giant leap into the unknown. There will be a sense of nerves, panic and generally heightened emotions over the next few weeks as our children and young people go back to school, but with your support they’ll be able to achieve their own little (big) wins and keep doing their best, whatever that looks like!