Fostering Through The Holidays

Hi everyone,

Well, here we are, week 3 of the Welsh summer holidays. What a year, middle of August, a time to decide whether we are to go away for a well-deserved break or to stay at home, where we know we will be safe. There has been a massive influx of visitors to our part of the world, some wearing masks, some not. Many are confused about the difference in ‘rules’ between England, Wales and the rest of the world. All we can do is keep ourselves safe as best we can; adhering to what rules we have and remaining positive.

Decisions to go on holiday are still very difficult to make. At this time, we should have been in France with our foster carer friend.  We erred on the side of caution and managed to get a credit note for next year. Even though France is open and not currently under quarantine rules, we decided not to risk it and instead spend the summer kayaking, beach days and meeting up with family and friends; under current guidelines, this is permitted, thankfully.

Julian has been accessing a Holiday Play Scheme for children with additional needs. It is his first time with his peers since March. He appears to be enjoying the experience, playing outside on the trampoline and sitting with the other children at lunch and break times.

Extra health and safety measures have been put in place, the staff are amazing and have a history of working with the children attending the scheme. It appears to be just what he needed, he has coped so well during lockdown, much better than anticipated.

Working within such an empathetic team during the whole process has certainly made it a lot easier. There is always someone at the end of the phone; training and networking have continued via electronic systems. Visits from our Supervising Social Worker are resuming, albeit outside and adhering to the 2m social distancing. Obviously, this is very weather-dependent, but it is nice to know that it is another step to the ‘new normal’. There have been an amazing amount of enquiries over the last 4 months, and the team are working hard under difficult circumstances to ensure that everyone is spoken to and assessments started.

Another 3 weeks to the start of the Autumn term. School uniforms to buy, new bags, pens and PE kit – all usual things in unusual times. A staged return to school for our Welsh children, systems in place to keep everyone safe. The important thing is to stay happy and positive with our young people and reinforce guidelines where possible. We shall come through this, and this too shall pass.

That’s all for now...

Take care, keep safe..  Daisy Doo and Julian too x