Thomas house is fast approaching the end of it’s 7th month. We are now home to 18 children ranging between 3-20 years. Having had a number of new friends join us since our opening day. Thomas house has offered a safe space to learn new skills, make friends and build positive relationships. All our children have a special need and cannot learn through the mainstream education system. For many this has been their first ever experience of a ‘school’ set up.
We have two classrooms dividing the children and offering an individualised learning program to suit the needs of each child. In each class the children take part in a variety of learning activities centred around play. Today we enjoyed dancing in circle time, water play, painting and matching shapes. We have celebrated so many positive achievements in our short 7 months together. Some include first steps, making friends, independent play and learning skills such as independently holding a cup to have a drink. Most importantly all the children are happy! They are now all familiar with the daily routine and have come together as a unit, its clear to see they really enjoy being together.
For some Thomas House has been the first time some children have even mixed with others, and had a opportunity to make friends and meet another child who has similar needs to themselves. We have had a number of visitors which we all really enjoy. In the past month we have welcomed students for the University of Central Lancaster and from Mulgrave School in Canada. The children had a lovely time playing with the students and showing off ‘their school’ they are very proud of it. We are also very grateful for the kind and very generous donations from the UCL students. We look forward to the next few months and are excited to see what we will get up.
~ Celia