New Beginnings {My Captured Moment}

Today was the day when parents everywhere found themselves frantically checking their emails, just waiting for the confirmation of that much sought after school place. Luckily, we got our first choice for Lucas. We were quietly confident, we are well in the catchment and the school has just gone up a class size so it isn’t over-subscribed but still I nervously checked in the morning and let out a sigh of relief when I saw the school we wanted confirmed.

Lucas’ current pre-school is part of this school so I am especially glad he has got a place there. Come September, as far as he is concerned, there will be minimal change. He will have the same uniform, be in a class with many of his friends, we’ll be walking the same way each day, he will spot his old teacher and he’ll already know the Headteacher and the school layout. I love the school, it feels very much like how I think a Primary School should be; it doesn’t feel pressured and set on constant academic achievement. There is a lovely community and lots of events, the children I’ve come across seem happy and the teachers very supportive. So much green space surrounds it with woodlands and play areas. We have been very fortunate that the only school within reasonable walking distance is one that we would have chosen anyway.

For the last eight months (how has it already been that long?!) it has been Lucas’ school and he has incredibly happy there, I have never had a day when he hasn’t run into class with a smile on his face. He has made friends and children call his name when we walk to the school doors, they hold hands, play tag and show off their new clothes, or new bags. I’ve made friends too, just from talking outside over the months I have become good friends with a lovely Mum and we meet up in the holidays. There have been moments I’ve been worried that it has been too much for him, he will start in Reception just a few days after turning four, but on the whole it has been so positive.

For My Captured Moment this week I have chosen a photo I took of him after the very first settling in session we had there. We visited for an hour and I stayed with him, he insisted on wearing his trilby and took it all in his stride. I was so nervous, I remember the walk there like it was yesterday and I remember taking this photo as he ran outside after the hour, so full of energy and excited. It was the start of something new and he has changed in so many ways since that day. I was so proud of him that afternoon and I am just as proud now. It has been the most incredible experience to see him become a part of this new little world. I can’t help but feel a little emotional when I think of him standing at the school gates next year, ready for full time education – a whole new beginning for my very first little boy.