A Year of Growth, Change & New Challenges!

Hi everyone, Jayde here!

Firstly I must apologise, I have been very quiet on the blog and social media front, I will get better at this posting malarky I promise!

It's been such a busy year and I just lost track of time in-between the crazy chaos of work and home life balance, it's all been going on!!!

I've got some wonderful things to share with you, and I think I will get some updates up on the blog over the coming weeks, but first it only feels right to reflect on the academic year before we roll into a brand new academic year in a few weeks!

As this academic year drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on just how much has happened, It’s been a whirlwind of a year at Sunflower, full of challenges, accomplishments, laughter, tears and everything in between and anyone who works in Early Years knows it never really stops, and I really wouldn’t have it any other way!

On top of all that, launching Sign and Bloom has been a dream come true!

Building a business from scratch while juggling a full time job and family life has definitely been no easy feat, but every workshop, every kind message of feedback, every person signing their first word, has reminded me exactly why I started in the first place!

Making communication accessible and supporting others through Makaton and inclusive practice will always be at the heart of what I do, and whilst I am branching out and have some exciting new chapters on the horizon, inclusion and communication will always be at the heart of it all.

I’ve worked in Early Years for over 18 years now, it’s more than just a job, it’s my passion and I've learned so much along the way, but one thing I never quite managed to make the time for was studying a degree!

As a parent to a child with additional needs myself, I’ve often put my own personal development on hold and that’s OK , we know parenting and advocating takes so much strength, so things have been slow and steady but now, with my son heading into Year 11 (how did that happen?!) it feels like the right time to begin a new chapter!

This September, I’ll be starting a BSc in Psychology and just writing that down feels a bit surreal, I have wanted to take my study further for such a long time and I know it's going to be a long journey ahead, but one I’m so ready for too! I am so keen to deepen my knowledge, stretch my thinking, and connect even more dots between theory and practice, especially when it comes to child development, communication, social interaction and SEND.

I will be specialising in Child Psychology and everything I learn will feed into my current work and help me offer even more informed support to families, educators, and professionals.

It’s going to be quite a juggle (isn’t everything?) but I’m genuinely excited.

I feel like I’m finally stepping into something for me, and in doing so, I’ll be able to help others in even more meaningful ways!

To everyone who’s supported Sign and Bloom so far, thank you so much!

There's been so much laughter and joy, and I am blessed to have met so many amazing people, children, adults, families, professionals and it really has been a blast!

It's been an absolute pleasure seeing the magic of Makaton ripple across the community, and we are just getting started!

There’s so much more to come, and I can't wait to share with you all the great times we have had over the past academic year, and what's going to come next!

I'll be back very soon with some shiny new blog updates and social media post to share and keep you all up to speed! Here’s to learning, growing, and never being too old to chase new dreams!

Jayde x