My baby was born on the day the UK went into its first national lockdown, and now he is going to school.
Nicola Power gave birth to Liam on March 23, 2020, a day when the world was beginning to shut down, and Nicola's was only just beginning.
Ahead of his first day at Edinbarnet Primary, Nicola has shared the highs and lows of his first few years of life during the pandemic.
"I had no idea how different his early years would look or how hard I’d have to fight to be heard. As Liam grew, I noticed something wasn’t quite right. He wasn’t speaking.
"While other children were starting to put words together, he remained silent, although he did babble. Friends, family, and even professionals reassured me that he would catch up and was delayed due to the lockdown."
Nicola, like many mums during the pandemic, was restricted by lockdown regulations, meaning socialising was off the table for her family.
Despite the rules having an impact, she feared Liam's silence was more than just the isolation, but something more.
She added: "Deep down, I knew it wasn’t just Covid. It wasn’t just the lack of baby groups or missed health visitor appointments. It was something more. I couldn’t explain it, but my mother’s instinct was there, quietly shouting what no one else could hear. I waited and hoped, but his speech didn’t come. Not at two. Not at three. A few words, finally, around four.
"During that time, I began to speak up. I posted online. I spoke to the media. I pushed for support and answers. Like so many other parents navigating a completely overwhelmed post-pandemic system, I found myself at a complete loss facing long waiting lists and closed doors where services should have been.
"Last month, it was confirmed that Liam was neurodivergent. He still requires more in-depth testing, but for the moment, we have answers. The diagnosis gave me clarity. It helped me understand him and, just as importantly, it helped others understand him too. His progress hasn’t followed a straight line.
"He still faces challenges every day. But Liam is thriving in his own way, with the right support and with his incredible personality that makes me burst with pride."
Looking forward to starting school, Nicola says her son has had great support from Children’s Hour Nursery and Edinbarnet Primary School in the lead up to his transition into education.
Nicola said: "Liam is very enthusiastic about starting school, although the transition may take some adjustment. He doesn’t yet fully understand that he is leaving nursery permanently, but he has reassured me that he plans to visit his nursery teachers again.
"Very proud yet emotional. While it still stuns me to say this, Liam is starting mainstream school, something I once thought even just last year might never be possible."
We are looking for stories of tots and teens who have defied the odds, overcome barriers, and broken boundaries to begin their education in either nursery, primary or high school.
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