Bertie

Bertie is six years old and started school at Chailey Heritage Foundation in 2018. He is an intelligent boy with a cheeky sense of humour, who loves animals and displays great empathy towards those around him.‍

Since starting school, Bertie has made great progress with his communication skills. His support team say that when he first joined Chailey,

“Bertie would smile by slightly raising his top lip, but he can now open his mouth fully to smile and also uses his eyes to communicate which can sparkle with joy!” 

Bertie learnt to use the Chailey Communication Book to communicate with staff and carers about his needs and feelings. He used the book to tell his carers that his tummy was hurting. By phoning home, they found out that Bertie’s medication had been changed and so they were able to treat him and alleviate his tummy ache.

One of the huge benefits of improved communication for Bertie is managing and being an active participant in the medical interventions he receives. When Bertie started at Chailey, these interventions would be extremely upsetting for him, but now with improved communication, Bertie feels included, respected and an active participant, rather than having things ‘done to him.’ 

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Bertie’s Mum Lucy sums up the family’s feelings about Bertie coming to school here, “We couldn’t be happier with the care and education Bertie receives at Chailey. Bertie has a wonderful relationship with all of the staff and they go above and beyond to ensure he gets the best from everything Chailey has to offer.”

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Chailey Heritage Foundation, North Chailey, Lewes, BN8 4EF
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