To perpetuate my appreciation to all early years educators at Wivenhoe Day Nursery who surrounded my daughter Judy with love and care in every step of her journey there, I thought I should post my gratitude email to them here. They will always be remembered.
“Dear Change Makers,
With heartfelt gratitude, we would like to thank you ever so much for being the wonderful people you are and for holding Judy’s hand in every step of her journey at Wivenhoe Day Nursery. Judy walked through all the rooms, from Sweetpea to Bluebells to Maple to Cedar, and, in every room, she was endowed with the best people that could ever surround a child with special needs.
Before Judy’s diagnosis, we used to think that the word ‘special’ was a sort of euphemism used in educational settings in respect of the feelings of those concerned, but Judy’s experience has made us believe that ‘special’ is not even enough to describe the experience. Judy is special because we see her as an angel that is so soft and tender and needs a lot of love and compassion. We, as parents, were in tears for a whole month when we started to suspect that Judy was on the spectrum, and you can only imagine how special and unique we regard those who helped us through this extremely difficult journey. It is special people like yourselves who gave us the power and hope to give Judy the care and love she deserves.
Wivenhoe Day Nursery should always pride itself in having such a wonderful team on board. The role you play as early years educators is key and fundamental in shaping children’s life, and you are all sowing the seeds of confidence and independence in these little hearts. In a special case like ours, your role was far more special– you have sown a completely different collection of seeds in our own hearts, and these are the seeds of trust. It is that trust we have had in your professionalism that made us wipe our tears away and smile for Judy’s future with whatever it brings and whatever it takes.
Our special thanks go to the amazing SENCo Teresa Warren, who surrounded us with love, care, understanding and benevolence all the way through. She guided us in every step to the extent that we felt that she made everyone who could help involved in their best capacity. We used to panic every time Judy made a transition between the rooms, but we were always surprised by how much was done and prepared in Teresa’s room. We are deeply indebted to you, Teresa, for everything..
Every time Judy moved from one room to another, we had slight anxiety that the next key person may need some time to bond well with Judy, but that was never the case. Judy had Katie first, then she had Michelle, then Erica, then Dannie. Every one of you was very courageous and bonded extremely well with Judy from the first day (we hope you are spending great times with the little one, Erica). Your names will be in our memories as long as we live and we will always tell Judy when she grows how lucky she was to have you in her early years of education. You have all been ‘stars’, with the full sense of the word.. Emma, Lisa, Summer, Rosina, you were all key people for Judy since the nursery re-opened after the lockdown and we are so grateful for the happy and wonderful times you have given to Judy.
Last but not least, thank you Lucy, Donna and Ella for all your support and help. Surely, there is special management behind this special experience, and your handling of the re-opening of the nursery was outstanding in these unprecedented times!
Kindest regards,
Zak”
Dr Zakariya Absi 