‘Relief’ doesn’t cover it. To realise that for the first time – ever – I’m not being called on a near daily basis to collect my son because staff can’t or won’t cope with his support and learning needs, I can breathe again, if only for a few hours, of a few school days! Grateful also doesn’t qualify – it’s like we’ve found a new family! Finding a resource that includes topics of interest and motivation for my son, rather than than force him to conform and comply with the limitations of staff or curriculum, is refreshing, and inspiring, even for the parent carer!
Staff who do not complain about or criticise my son for what they think they see or know about him, yet accept willingly without judgement and seek to better understand how they may better support him, by asking the parent who does know, is after all these years of disappointment, prayers answered. It’s not location, or money, or history, that makes a resource fit for purpose – it’s the people. People who are open to learning and developing themselves, will in turn be open to sharing their progress to those students that rely on them for support, to do same. EMA appear to have a knack for employing individuals who are willing to grow WITH our young adults, inspiring a more fulfilling and productive future for all. – Karen, Student Parent
