Back to school challenges for SEND mum 'worth it'

Izzy and her family have to take extra precautions to protect her health at school

A mum whose daughter has a life-limiting condition has shared the challenges her family faces when it comes to back to school week.

Izzy, who is nine, spent her early years in and out of hospital, undergoing dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant just before her third birthday.

While her mum Emma faces the usual school stresses of this time of year, she said she also has a range of additional tasks to prepare Izzy for the school year including sorting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Emma, from Bristol, said back to school week "brings about a feeling of apprehension for us, it requires a lot of preparation", but added "it is worth it" to see the smile on Izzy's face.

Izzy, who is immune-suppressed and whose milestones around socialising, walking and talking were all delayed, has just gone into Year 4.

Emma said that every September, she feels the same anxiety most parents do – but magnified.

"When she goes back to school, within a week or two she's exposed to so many bugs," she said.

"If Izzy gets a high temperature, it isn't just a day off – it means blood tests, hours in A&E, sometimes even a hospital admission."

One of the most important tools in Izzy's back to school journey process has been an EHCP, which identifies her needs and additional support required.

This however can take weeks or months of preparation, meetings, training, and collaboration between parents, schools, health teams, and the hospice team.

Izzy's mum Emma said this time of year can be stressful for parents of children with additional needs

Emma has been helped by Bristol-based charity Jessie May, with putting Izzy's EHCP into place.

She said: "There's the phrase 'it takes a village to raise a child', but for a child with additional needs sometimes it can feel more like a town, or even a city."

She advised other families to "reach out for support", adding that charities like Jessie May are there to help.

"It is normal to feel anxiety during the back to school week, but just remember why you are doing this, it's for your child's development but also respite for you," she added.

"All the preparation, all the plans, all the hard work - it will all be worth it."

Izzy has been supported by nurses from the Bristol charity Jessie May

Jessie May nurse Steve said: "We've supported Izzy and her family through some very tough times, so to see her walk through the school gates was incredibly special.

"We know just how much effort went on behind the scenes to make that day possible."

Emma said she once doubted whether Izzy would ever be able to go to school at all but that her daughter has now built up a "great group" of friends and dreams of being a writer.

Her hero is Jaqueline Wilson, the Tracey Beaker author who has had a kidney transplant - just like Izzy.