Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
Back to Firefly Blog

End of an Era

End of an Era

After the chaos of the last two years (yes covid, I mean you) it was lovely to actually sit IN THE SAME ROOM as the Dudes form teacher and teacher for the visually impaired (theres a mouthful if ever there was one), and go through the progress he’s made this last year in preparation for him moving up to high school in September.

These ladies have been with my boy for a long time – his VI teacher for example has supported him since he was 3 years old, so moving on and leaving her behind is going to be a wrench.

Together with his teacher, teaching assistants (there have been many) and other lovely staff who have worked with him since he started at this school, they have not left a single stone unturned in their efforts to find what worked best for him.

I still remember his first proper session with his VI teacher in early years.

She came prepared with a massive cardboard box, all blacked out inside to really heighten the contrast for him; she had a range of toys from cheerleaders pompoms in tinsel, light up toys, brightly coloured wiggly things… she had a fight on her hands as all the children wanted to play!

A chance conversation with her highlighted my boys love of LEGO; at his next visit from her she brought light up LEGO blocks, to see him suddenly ‘switch on’ and use his vision purposefully was nothing short of incredible.

It is beyond nerve-wracking to leave behind these amazing people who have loved my son as if he was one of their own, and who have given him so much over the last 8 years.

Currently he’s one of the bigger kids, in September he’s going to be one of the little ones again.

It is very clear to everyone that our boy is ready to move up to high school but it really does feel like the end of an era.

As we were finishing, his VI teacher smiled and said her go-to memory to show how far our boy has come is from her first meeting with him; ‘when I first met him, it took 5 minutes for him to be able to focus on an object. When I assessed him recently, it took 40 seconds’.

Proud? You’d better believe it.

Dry-eyed? Not a chance.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Carolyn Voisey

Meet Our Blogger

Mum to one incredible little dude, I work full time in higher education and have my own small business as a jewellery designer/creator. I love nothing more than having time with my family, being outside and with my animals (chickens, cats, dog..!).

View Carolyn’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on

Purchases on £99+

UK Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of £99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on purchases of £99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 4-month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 4 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • Any remaining balance due after the 4-month promotional period or any transactions under £99 will be charged interest at 19.9% p.a. (variable).

Purchases of £98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend £98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • In order to maintain the 0% offer, you need to keep up monthly repayments and stay within your credit limit. Credit subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. UK residents only.

Please wait...