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Well, that really has been some year! I have just finished my last lesson of the academic year and… wow.

The academic year 2019-2020 is one that will not be forgotten by parents, children or teachers, or well, anyone really! At the start of the year we hadn’t heard of Covid, distance learning, blended learning or would consider a lockdown as something that could feasibly happen.

Yet now they are the norm. We are living a life we did not imagine at the start of the academic year. That change has been hard on everyone. Our children included.

I have been in the very privileged position to support children and families throughout this time. I strived to be a consistent in their lives. Popping up on their screen at the same time every week. Giving them consistency. Ensuring they knew what to expect, in a time of great uncertainty.

I pulled together some amazing teams to help support Lockdown Learning and Where the Wild Minds Grow. Pages designed to help support learning and mental health for everyone. Ensuring everyone, no matter how much they have in the bank, could access high quality support.

I spent hours upon hours on the phone to parents, whether I worked with them or not, the aim was simply to offer support to all. Ideas were shared, resources gifted, support given.

My staff team grew. We have an eclectic group of tutors which has doubled in size. However, they all have 5 things in common

🧡they are fully qualified teachers
💛they have a minimum of 5 years experience
💚 they believe in putting the fun into learning
💙 they are wonderful human beings
💜 they understand the importance of mindset

The number of families we work with grew as well. I have loved seeing how the children all progress and watch the wonder of their learning. We no longer only work with families in West Lothian. We have families all over the country, from London to Gourock, Liverpool to Glasgow. Suddenly, distance isn’t an issue.

I love my job. I love supporting the children, families and tutors. But, I would be lying if I said this year has not been hard. There has been times where I could have curled up and hid. There has been days where I didn’t know how I would get through it. There has been many tears and a few tantrums and that’s just from me!

But, together, we have all came through it. I would like to think we have came through it stronger than we were. More confident. With an added understanding of what is really important in life.

At the moment we have no real idea what the next academic year might look like. Some parents are still hoping for blended learning, others for full time schooling and a return to normality. I have no idea what it will be. But I know myself and my team will still be there to support everyone who needs it.

But, this weekend, I am having a few days off. A chance to recharge my batteries before coming back on Tuesday to provide fun summer tuition to the wonderful kids I work with. And I cannot wait!

To family and every child we have worked with this year, thank you. You have been amazing and I shall not forget any of you!

I would love to hear your wins, so please, comment and tell us! Whether they are big or small, let us celebrate with you!