Missing her already

[AuntieDiluvial]

I was a volunteer at an infant school for several years. A child started there, and it soon became clear that she had some major problems and was not coping. I was asked to support her. Eventually she was diagnosed with autism. When the school received funding for 1-1 support, they advertised the job and I got it.

She is now reaching the end of year 2, and we will be saying goodbye in less than a month. We're doing transitions and handover preparation.

I'm gutted. I miss her already.

I've worked with this little girl for over two years, and the change in her is astounding. I am so proud of her! I am so honoured to have been part of her life, and to have been able to help her increase her potential.

She has been a big part of my life, working with her has taught me so much, and I don't think I'll ever forget her. But I have to accept that she will forget me. And, even worse, that I will probably never know just how far she goes, what she achieves.

Oh, I'm just sad. Happy for her, but sad for myself.

Auntie, you sound so lovely

She may remember you. I remember adults who were in my school life at that age.

And the developmental strides you have helped her make will last a lifetime.

If it helps I'm 37. I remember my nursery teacher, my yr 2, 4 and especially my yr 5 teachers with a LOT of affection.

I was bright but bullied and these teachers really stuck by me. My yr 5 teacher in particular was the kindest most wonderful person I've ever ever met.

Some of ds and dd's special TAs we keep in touch with and so you never know her parents might well keep in touch.It has been lovely to be fair we've learned of weddings and babies and sadly a funeral. It was lovely to tell ds's TA's (one from his early Primary days) of GCSE passes and A level equivalents and share with them our pride.
Do let her parents know that you'd love to hear how she gets on and give them a way to contact you as I'm sure they really appreciate your input and would be happy to share her news with you.

Can you write her a card or letter saying that you've enjoyed working with her, and outlining some of the big (and small) things she's achieved? If she doesn't appreciate it, her parents will!
I've worked with young adults and teenagers in my career, there's quite a few that still hold a special place in my heart. I would love to know how many of them are doing in the world.
Whilst moving on is hard for you, it's an amazing thing for her, and you have helped her get to the point that she can do that. Be proud. Of her, and yourself.

Made me cry - I work with a girl who has a lot of issues she came up to me the other day and silently hugged me for about a minute .. that meant the world to me and she will be moving to y3 this year too 😢

Oh you're all so kind! I was half expecting to be told off for getting too close, too involved, too attached, possessive, even.

I love the idea of writing her a letter and of asking her parents to let me know how she gets on. I don't really have much of a relationship with her parents - they prefer always to go through her class teacher.

I am in my 50s and still fondly remember very kind teachers at Primary. One l meet regularly and he is in his 80s. The good thing is as soon as you start working with another child they will become the central part of your life. Teaching for years and every June feel l will never be as attached to another class but on it goes.