Louie's story: starting school as a 31-weeker

Louie starting school in September 2020

I gave birth to Louie at 31 weeks’ gestation on 6 August 2016 after a spontaneous labour. It all happened very quickly and was very traumatic, but he arrived into the world weighing 4lb (1.8kg) and stayed in the neonatal unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital for a total of nine long stressful weeks. He finally came home on 5 October 2016.

Growing in confidence

Louie is a happy and kind little boy. He has always been behind with his milestones and was almost two years old before he walked. He also has a speech delay. 

He has had to wear glasses since he was 19 months old as he has a squint in his right eye. The opticians advised he may struggle to wear his glasses but as soon as he put them on, he became a different child: his confidence grew and grew!

Birthday or due date?

As Louie turned four in August 2020, he would be one of the youngest in his school year. If he had been born around his due date, he would be starting school in 2021 instead of this year. Luckily, so far we have had great support through our paediatrician and his nursery. We were also supported by a SEND Inclusion Advisor who met Louie and helped us decide the best next step for him regarding starting school, whether he needed extra support to meet his needs or a particular school to help him with his education.

Louie has recently started in Reception at his local primary school. He has an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan)  in place and is supported by a teaching assistant who helps him in class and supports him starting his education. 

Proud and happy

It’s very early days in Louie’s school journey, and he is still so young with a long way to go, but we are so proud of Louie and how confident and happy he has been since starting school. Looking back, I can't believe we are here already!