I finished work yesterday, taking voluntary redundancy. Although I loved my job, I felt that with increasing funding constraints in FE as they are, I could no longer offer my ASD students the provision they need. It is so frustrating to be told that vital Lifeskills work cannot be done due to lack of money! Luckily, my last intake of students have made excellent progress and moved on to the courses of choice with appropriate support. I am staying in touch with my former students and parents to hear how they are coping.
After long discussions with all my family we have decided to become Foster Carers, focussing on caring for children with disabilities and conditions such as ASD, OCD and ADHD. It is a daunting prospect, but I am also very excited as it is a new challenge!
Meanwhile, I am getting used to being at home. My job involved being away from home for 3 days/week, so this is great. I am planning many projects, we are getting chickens and I am setting up a Wormery! Watch this space for progress!!!
