How the children have taught me so much during this challenging time…

There simply aren’t enough words to capture the enormous appreciation and gratitude that many of us feel about the sacrifices made by a small number of our astonishing team. They continued to share unlimited amounts of love with the children of our superhero Key Workers throughout this recent crisis, many of us forgetting that they were superhero Key Workers themselves! This not only provided so many children with a safe place to be themselves but it ensured that the rest of us were able to stay safely protected at home. As the memories of this time begin to fade we wanted you to know that this is something we will never forget. Thank you simply isn’t enough.

But, as the weeks unfold, it is time for our Ashton House family to rebuild. The children’s voices once again fill our rooms and their laughter, chatter and unhindered joy lifts the spirits of every nervous member of staff as they begin navigating their way around our ‘new normal’.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the children’s resilience as they courageously continue to return to the place that I had worried they may have forgotten - but all I can say is that I’m sorry that I doubted them! Their positivity and attitude towards this challenging world has taught me so much. Our hearts have been warmed by the unbreakable friendships that have been so quickly rekindled and we burst with pride as we see the changes that have taken place during their time away; each lock down adventure story is as special for us as it is for them.

And so, I have to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all of the children for reminding me that although this world is undoubtedly going to be very different from now on, there are still exciting adventures ahead. It is ok to dream of the future, to laugh and to smile. We must do our best to be kind to each other, to be patient with each other and to help each other as we move forward.

It’s my wish that I can keep looking at this world the way that the Ashton House children do - with hope and wonder.

Beth Mayers - Early Years Educator