'Our quality of life'

The poem is written by April Mitchell, mum to Jayden who is currently in Year 6 at the Discovery Academy, a new specialist setting in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. This poem was written in response to a request to parents asking how the school had supported children and families during the first two terms/seven months of opening. April says that "poems are a great way to display emotion and thoughts."

In the past, at school my son was always seen as the 'naughty child',
Misunderstood, the crazy one, often wild,
Excluded from school because no-one understood,
Put on a part-time table and told to be good.

So many rules with which to comply,
Too many bright lights upon high,
Noise everywhere, too much to filter out,
No wonder he wanted to fight and shout.

So, I took him out of that school,
See he's a good child not a fool,
His daily struggles all too real,
How was this child supposed to feel?

Each day spent confused, depressed and alone,
He needed a sanctuary, somewhere more like home,
Along came a school, The Discovery Academy,
A school so great they treated my son more like family.

The Academy, a place to nurture not to preach,
A wonderful space in which to learn and to teach,
Along with time, understanding and much care,
New friends were made in a place he could bare.

Look at him now, he's full-time in school,
Finally, he has been given the right tools,
Happier, healthier, no longer doomed,
Releasing his potential and blossoming to full bloom.

So, now life as a family is far less stress,
Looking back we were in a right mess,
Now able to work and to go out,
The difference is amazing there is no doubt.

Thank you for helping us to smile again,
Maybe it's time to crack open the Champagne,
So, here is to each and everyone at the school,
Our family think you are all pretty cool.

April Mitchell