Alton Towers

Sarah has been to Alton Towers with school today, and she used some of her spending money to buy this for her Nan, who collects fridge magnets.

Anyone who has ever been on a school trip will know how stressful they are; staff today have spent 13 hours taking 25 kids with special needs on an amazing day out. Sarah was supported yet given just the right amount of freedom, I never doubted she would be safe and secure, and she has absolutely loved it. I also found out today the lengths the school are going to to make sure all the kids get the chance to go to the Prom, even down to providing dresses for those who can't afford it.

The kids in Sarah's class won't get 5 GCSEs at A-C, but their time at the school has given them something that can't be measured with a letter or a number, (or whatever next year's whim is) - it has given them self esteem, confidence and skills to move on to the next stage. If you just look at the grades you will see failure - if you look at the kids you will see success. I think that says it all.

I could have gone off into a rant there, and I didn't. Must be mellowing in my old age.

That's 3 Blips in a row - better miss tomorrow or the OCD will kick in.