JD now age 12, started his formal education on the usual path, nursery followed by reception. After just a few months in reception, JD began experiencing tummy aches and became reluctant to attend school. This reluctance grew into a daily struggle. This in turn affecting his overall mood and behaviour, transforming our happy chilled child to one who felt angry and on edge.

JD struggled with school for months, we explored the option of home education. We engaged with different home ed groups to understand an alternative option to the typical school system. JD returned to school in year one after the summer break but became unhappy immediately and within 3 weeks we decided to deregister him.

Back in 2017, I was unaware of the concept of school trauma. This refers to the emotional and psychological distress that can occur in children due to negative school experiences. It can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, physical symptoms (like tummy aches) and behaviour changes. It also takes years to heal from this and often this trauma can continue into adult hood.

JD’s younger siblings, Blake (8) and Enna (6), have never attended a nursery or school setting. They were both asked and decided they want to to be home educated. On our journey we have changed our educational approach. We are now very open and child led. This is a conscious effort to avoid recreating the conditions that led to JD’s distress but also allows the children to learn at their own pace, based on their own interests. Allowing them opportunities to try new things, a safe space to express emotions and a chance to connect.