Almost a year had passed at Womaston and Denise continually refused any and all possibilities to go off site. The anticipation of travelling creating so many difficulties for her and support staff. Planned, ‘spontaneous’ efforts had also failed.
I was aware on this particular morning that Denise’s Teacher was taking the lead on engaging with her to go out. The plans were discussed with Denise and she was informed that her Teacher would wait with her while she got herself ready. The rest of the team myself included knew not to directly interact with Denise during this getting ready time.
On visiting the house an hour into the exercise I observed her Teacher quietly waiting, Denise was in the garden still in her pyjamas declaring, “I’m not going out on that --------- bus”.
Forty minutes later Denise was washed and dressed, making it clear this didn’t mean she was going out. Her Teacher remained quietly focused, affirming when Denise was ready they were going out together on the bus. Denise’s proximity to her Teacher was much closer now and she maintained this physical closeness. Within another fifteen minutes Denise sat beside her quiet Teacher on the sofa saying, “you’re not giving up?” At this stage I observed the direct eye contact, and shake of the Teacher’s head. “Let’s go then” were the prize words from Denise.
I heard later from Denise that the chocolate cake in Hay-on Wye cafe was, ‘NICE’.
Theresa McGinley
Head of Learning and Support, Womaston School