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WOW, what a week to finish the half term on! This week was one of our busiest but most brilliant weeks to date. Lots of news and tips to share so let’s do it 🙂

This week started with the delivery of an Awesome Archie assembly that we have given many times now. It is an awareness and acceptance lesson named “See the able and not the label”.

It speaks of how we should never use our diagnosis as an excuse to not have a go. Life is going to be full of highs and lows for everyone, we wanted to share that all the lows can lead to a really exciting high, if you never give up💪 . Thanks to the kids at the Priory C of E School for sitting and listening so politely 😁

On Wednesday, I had a really awesome meeting with the SENco of Parkfield School, Miss Kim Tucker. What an incredible passion and love for the job Kim has! We discussed lots of little tweaks and changes to help support the SEND pupils of the school and I was lucky enough to have a little tour.

Miss Tucker took me to the “green room”. This is a beautiful space in which children who are struggling, for whatever reason, can come and complete their work. It is a quiet, calm and safe space where the staff make the kids feel very welcomed and supported. They also have a dark sensory den and sensory toys. Linwood training and support have been fundamental in some of these remarkable installations and so I would like to thank them for that support. Moving forward, we at Awesome Archie are delighted to be able to supply Parkfield school with more SEN tools , a pea pod seat, sensory mat and an Awesome Archie inclusion pack.

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Wednesday afternoon was also the day that I was privileged to chat with Pasty Hallmey, the founder of the Dorset Children’s Foundation. As you know, Archie and I have been closely affiliated with the DCF for a little while now. It is something that we are immensely grateful for.

Pasty explained that a fantastic fundraising team called “Reggie’s Big Adventures” had cycled 1000 miles across France and raised a whopping £19,000 for the DCF!!! She then floored me by giving Awesome Archie non profit £1000 of the money raised to help the kids that we proudly support. Once I had stopped crying, I immediately started shopping for SEN equipment, tools, toys, dens, pea pods ⬇⬇⬇ , projectors.! You name it, we got it 🙂

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So THANKYOU, to Reggie’s team , the DCF and to anyone who as ever donated . You are genuinely changing children’s lives !

Thursday saw me giving my usual volunteered Classroom support at William Gilpin school, but this time with a fantastic twist. We celebrated “Dress UP for Downs”.

My time at “Willy Gilly” is genuinely the highlight of my week. ALL of the staff, the Children and Head Teacher (Mr Croutear) are a joy to be around. There is always laughter, kindness, acceptance and understanding and I am truly blessed to be a small part of this magnificent school. Thankyou for all you do for for your pupils (and me) 🤗🤗🤗

Lastly, but definitely not least, was Thursdays “Dare to Believe” event at TGS. You may recall me telling you that, not too long ago, I had a fantastic meeting with Mr Dan Moody (strategic lead for sports and development) and Mrs Claire Tabor (children and young persons manager and school games county lead). In this meeting they explained to me all about the Dare to Believe program.

It’s a sporting event for children who find sporting events tough. It may be that they are really shy and reserved, they may struggle to make friends or maybe they find teamwork tricky. It may also be that they have a physical disability or have a neurological difference. Whatever the reason, all are welcomed and what a JOY it was.

Dan asked me to come to the event with a criticising eye🧐. He wanted me to spot any improvements that needed to be made or what they could do better moving forward. Well, I walked around the event, speaking to teachers, TA’s, parents/carers and the kids and had nothing but positive feedback. 🦾 The Event was beautifully organised, extremely welcoming, fantastically inclusive and, for me, very moving. What choked me up the most was the Dorset leadership team trained by Mr Moody himself. The team is made up of school pupils, some as young as year 7. They not only supported the kids but created a lot of the games themselves. Just EPIC!

At the end, each child was rewarded for their efforts with a certificate and medal, all with a personalised value chosen for them.

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Thankyou Mr Moody and Mrs Tabor for your AWESOME work. The Awesome Archie team highly recommend the Dare to Believe program to all 🙂

Told you it was busy 😉

Have a wonderful half term break everyone and stay AWESOME!!!

I thought I’d dedicate our latest blog post to the Awesome Superhero Siblings. It is so easy to forget that so many kids are thrust into a life that they didn’t ask for. A life where someone else’s needs will ALWAYS be put before theirs. That is so unbelievably tough.

Superhero siblings have to learn that its never about favouritism, or unfairness but about love and acceptance. Can you imagine how difficult that is as a young child? I have made no secret of the fact that being a full time, life long carer is something that I occasionally have a real wobble about, so I can only imagine the massivness of that to a kid!

Joshua , Herbie and Daisy ( Awesome Archie’s siblings) have always been so understanding of Archie’s needs. I am not going to pretend that its always easy, its not, but they always try to include him and make him feel like a real member of our Awesome team.

I would also like to take a moment to mention the kindness of Joshua’s “teenage” friends. They come into our home ( Archie’s safe space) with respect for the necessary house rules and the kindness and acceptance of real superhero’s. There is no muttering or sniggering, no inside jokes, no loud music . Just the willingness of a bunch of 16 year olds to care for a mates disabled brother. For us as parents, you have no idea how special that is for us.

So, to any Superhero Sibling or Superhero sibling friend, WE THANKYOU.

Your sacrifices, your kindness and love makes a real difference to those kids who didn’t have the choice to be born the way they were.

YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!!

On Monday, the Awesome Archie team were privileged to be invited to the grand opening of the DCF’s inclusive cinema.

The Dorset Children’s Foundation is an incredible charity of which Archie and I are very proud to be affiliated with. Patsy Hallmey (founder) has, not only managed to open three charity shops but, with the help from her incredible team, has created a beautiful and inclusive space for Dorset kids in the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe.

The DCF’s “Tree House” is not only a charity shop but a space where children can be read stories, make friends and now watch movies on their all new bespoke cinema setup.

Together for Cinemas organised this fantastic installation and now Patsy and her team are giving disabled children the chance to visit the cinema like any able-bodied child.

Archie and I would like to personally thank EVERYONE at the DCF. Not only for all the incredible things that you do for Dorset children… but for how you have supported Archie and I on our very own non-profit journey.

See below, links for our Radio Solent interview and a video of the opening itself.

Well, what a 3 weeks it’s been for the Awesome Archie team. We have SO much exciting news to share . Now, I know the title of this blog post will look completely bonkers, but by the end of this post it will all become clear… hopefully 😉

Dorset School Games meeting.

I was privileged enough to be invited to TGS to meet two rather incredible people. Dan Moody, Active Dorset’s strategic lead for sports and development and Claire Tabor, Children and young persons manager and school games county lead.

We had an hour long sit down where we chatted about the importance of inclusion and adapting lessons to suit all abilities. I am so delighted to say that they really didn’t need to learn much from me at all. Both Dan and Claire have an open passion about getting EVERYONE to love sport and are already leading a program called “Dare to believe.”

Dare to believe is a sporting event that is targeted to those children for whom PE is just that little bit tougher, for whatever reason.

Students with mobility differences, the neurodiverse, the quiet and reserved… EVERYONE IS THERE TO HAVE FUN! I am delighted to say that I have been invited to join them at the end of this month to observe in person. This way, we can collect our thoughts and see how we can make this, already brilliant event, even more AWESOME!

I want to say a massive thankyou to both Dan and Claire for all the work they are doing and for going the extra mile for the kids that have a tougher time in PE. THANKYOU X

Willy Gilly wellness.

William Gilpin is a school that I am currently 1:1’ing in a couple of days a week. I am so lucky to have two AWESOME students who just fill my time there with laughter. It is a genuine joy to be part of such a welcoming and nurturing school team. When one of their incredible teachers asked if I could help her create a ” Wellness Hub” within their stunning New Forest grounds, I JUMPED at the opportunity.

It is so vital that kids have a break out space. So many children can find the school day overwhelming… and having a sheltered, but outdoor chill zone will provide some calm. I plan to use it a lot 😉

This week, we got started on this exciting project. I donned my PG Tips apron and painted the walls white, the bunting in being sewn and the wooden positivity messages are underway.

The school are hosting a bake off fundraiser where we hope to raise enough money to buy weatherproof beanbags, cushions and outdoor rugs. Thankyou to Harriet Crossen and Simon Croutear for trusting me with this, it means a lot. Watch this space for progress reports 😉

And lastly…..CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!! #sorrynotsorry 🙂

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Being a non-profit means that you spend your entire career asking for money, eeeek.

One of the most productive ways that we raise Awesome Archie funds is to create and sell. This year, we are hosting 3 Christmas/craft tents. All profits will go into the Awesome Archie fund to then be used to directly support a child with a neurological difference.

Thankyou so much to my ever supporting husband, Ian. He is not one for the limelight at all but he needs this public recognition. Last week, he worked for 50 hours, then spent his weekend chopping wood and making Christmas trees and decorations that I will paint and sell at the upcoming fayres. He does this because of love. Love for Arch, love for our family, love for the cause and the fact that he is just a properly top bloke.

Thanks dude, You are AWESOME! X

Like so many of our readers, I have to do a lot of work with Archie at home to make sure that he is progressing with his learning, no matter how slowly. Thankfully our eldest son, Josh, has always been really supportive with this because I find it so tough! I genuinely get really overwhelmed by all the terminology and I’m sure that some of you could be feeling this way too?!

This year, our third son started senior school and so, with his help, I am learning all about the English curriculum and the specifics that it covers. Thanks Herbie for your patience with this… I am not a fast learner! 🤦‍♀️

We thought that we’d share some of these (seemingly crazy hard) learning objectives, to help any AA home schoolers out there (or parent carers like me that didn’t have a clue 😜)

Coordinating conjunctions.

A coordinating conjunction is a conjunction that connects words, phrases, and clauses that are coordinate, or equal to each other. There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS.

Clauses and Phrases.

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. A phrase is a group of words, but it doesn’t contain a subject and a verb.

Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that links a dependent clause to an independent clause. This word or phrase indicates that a clause has informative value to add to the sentence’s main idea, signalling a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time and place between the two clauses.

The five Ws.

The term “Five Ws” refers to the six basic questions to ask when gathering information or solving a problem. The questions are:

1. Who?

2. What?

3. Where?

4. When?

5. Why?

The goal of this technique is to gain a factual answer to each question. Answers to all five questions should give clarity to whatever the questioner is trying to discover: the solution to a problem, the answer to a mystery, or even the best way to build a product.

It’s fair to say that the curriculum have toughened up since my school days… EEEK!

I hope that these snippets of info have eased the panic for some of you… WE CAN DO THIS! 😀

This new academic year is another opportunity for me to learn more about kids differences. I am so blessed to work with a wide range of kids with differing needs. This time I am learning all about verbal Dyspraxia and delayed speech. I thought I’d share what I have learnt so far to see if it could help you 🙂

Verbal dyspraxia is a condition in which children have difficulty in making and co-ordinating
the precise movements needed to produce clear speech with their mouths; without
any signs of damage to nerves or muscles.

It is also commonly referred to as “childhood Apraxia of Speech”. Children with verbal dyspraxia will find it harder to produce individual speech sounds and to put sounds together in the right order in words. As a result, their speech is often a lot harder to understand. Imagine just how frustrating that must be!

Although it is speech that is mostly affected in verbal dyspraxia, children can also have
difficulty moving their mouths, lips and tongue for things like eating and can sometimes
find it hard to co-ordinate their body movements. It can be diagnosed by a speech and language therapist alone, although often a paediatrician and/or an occupational therapist will be involved in reaching such a diagnosis.

Here are some certain features within a child’s speech that they may look for before diagnosis.

 A limited range of consonant and vowel speech sounds.
 Overuse of one sound (favourite articulation)
 Inconsistent production and unusual error patterns
 Breakdown in sequencing sounds in words, particularly as the length of words
increases.
 Fine and gross motor co-ordination/development.

Delayed speech.

Every child develops at his or her own pace. But if your child isn’t talking as much as other children of the same age, there could be an underlying difference. IT IS OK, there are so many people to help you if this is your situation.

A speech and language delay is when a child isn’t developing speech and language at an expected rate. It’s a common developmental problem that affects as many as 10% of preschool children.

Your child may have a speech delay if they aren’t able to do these things:

• Say simple words (such as “mum” or “dad”) either clearly or unclearly by 12 to 15 months of age
• Understand simple words (such as “no” or “stop”) by 18 months of age
• Talk in short sentences by 3 years of age
• Tell a simple story at 4 to 5 years of age

There are many reasons for why you child has speech delay but I see it most frequently in kids with ASD.

Living in a bilingual home also may affect a child’s language and speech. The child’s brain has to work harder to interpret and use 2 languages. So, it may take longer for these children to start using one or both languages they’re learning. It’s not unusual for a bilingual child to use one language for a while.

How is a speech and language delay diagnosed?

Your doctor can help you recognize a speech and language delay. They will ask you what you have heard and can listen to your child’s speech and check your child’s mental development.

Your doctor may refer you to other specialists to determine why your child isn’t speaking. For example, if your doctor thinks your child may have trouble hearing, they may refer your child to an audiologist for a hearing test. This is a licensed health care professional who treats hearing problems.

The take home for me from this barrage of new information is DO NOT PANIC! I think we are all terrified when we notice that are child may not be developing in the way we expected, it’s scary but there is help!

If in doubt, call your DR and have a chat.

…now time for a coffee 😉

This totally AWESOME human is called Flo. I was privileged enough to work closely alongside Flo when I worked as a TA at her school. Over the 3 years that we have helped each other, she has taught me so much. So, when she says that she likes a sensory toy, I listen and learn.

Yesterday she showed me her latest Sensory fidget purchases and I have to say that they are amazing.

This all-in-one sensory toy unfolds to reveal 5 panels with unique sounds and fun textures. It records and plays back your voice with the removable recorder.

It as a fantastic way to explore unique sound effects and fold up the cube for a sensory experience on the go. The Sensory FX ASMR Recorder Cube is made for restless hands and soothing ASMR effects.

As we know fidgeting with tactile sensory toys can help release restless energy.

Fidget toys are self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming and active listening (and they are so much fun!)

It also worth noting that Smyths toy superstore ( where this was purchased) has 2 aisles dedicated to sensory needs. WELL DONE SMYTHS!

Thankyou Flo and your ever supportive Mummy Vicci.

When Archie was in mainstream education he was unhappy a lot of the time. Needless to say, this had a tremendously negative effect on his ability to process the information taught.

We all know that only happy kids learn. If they are overwhelmed with worry, sadness, loneliness etc, they cant possibly find the brain space to fit in long division. When you think of it logically, it makes so much sense. What on earth is the point of learning your times tables if you hate yourself, are afraid of life and just feel like you don’t fit in?

This is the very reason that I go to mainstream schools to support ASD kids. If having that tiny bit of fun injected into the school day can get a child back on track then that’s AWESOME!

Now that Archie is blessed enough to be in specialist provision the challenges are a little different. He is happy, confident, more communicative verbally and we no longer self harm. We do have to focus on learning from home a little more though…..which we LOVE.

Archie may not get his GSCE’s. We don’t know if the pressures of a test environment will cause him too much distress so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. We are however encourage by his tutor to immerse ourselves in his favourite subjects.

Many successful people in life had terrible exam results and this is something that we share with all of our kids.

So, with this in mind we bought Archie an online diploma course. Archie was able to sit in his own home, learn at his own pace and in his own way. We are proud to announce that he is now the proud owner of a Feline behaviour and psychology Diploma. He passed with a rate of 96% and received a distinction 🙂

NEVER GIVE UP! Find your passion and RUN WITH IT!

What a phenomenal and memory making experience we have just had.

Thanks to the brilliant Reformed Plastics, Archie was welcomed as a guest of honour at this years fantastic New Forest show.

David and Martyn, the CEO’s of Reformed Plastics have skilfully created the UK’s first giant rainbow chair in Archie’s honour. This remarkable chair was sat on and admired by thousands of visitors and was a real talking piece. 🌈🌈🪑🪑

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For me, seeing our Awesome dude be proud of his differences, pose for pictures and talk to strangers was overwhelming. He was more than happy to let his quirky personality shine, even though he did get upset because I wouldn’t buy him a real piglet! 🐷🐷

We were also privileged enough to briefly man the William Gilpin tent, an incredible school that I am currently (voluntarily) supporting a child 1:1 because of all of your kind support.

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Proud, proud day 😁😁 THANKYOU ALL.

What a truly awesome day Friday was for the whole Awesome Archie team 🙂 🌞🌞🌧🌧🌈

We were lucky enough to be able to hold a fundraising stall at the beautiful Priory C of E Primary school in Christchurch. Each year they host a fantastic summer fayre in their playground. We were treated to Singing, ukulele playing, hip-hop dancing, the under 12’s world dance champions and Awesome Archie even got a go on the microphone to welcome everyone and encourage them to give generously 🙂 💰💰💰

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By selling item/gift donation,s kindly given by the public, we managed to raise £185!!

The Awesome Archie team are thrilled to be donating £92.50 (half our profit) to the Friends of Priory school charity. They spend these kind of donations on fun, play equipment and giggle making activities to help kids have an even better time in school. The remaining £92.50 has been put back in the AA pot ready to buy another chrome book for a child with ASD as soon as we are able. 💻💻💻

I don’t mind admitting that I did get a little emotional at one point in the afternoon, seeing so many children running around with their official ‘Awesome Archie merch’ t-shirts!! 👕👕

All photos are being shared with permission 🙂

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THANK YOU ALL!