Jax’s Mum said:

“Jax started at Charnwood in the Opportunity Group, and from the very beginning they understood something that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it: for families like ours, trust isn’t automatic — it has to be built. Charnwood took the time to build that trust with me and with Jax, and they did it with patience, warmth and genuine care.

The staff went out of their way to really get to know Jax as a person — not just his needs on paper. They learned his routines, how he communicates, what helps him feel calm, and what brings him joy. They supported his communication in a way that truly helped him be heard, using things like Makaton and switches to make choices, and they made sure he had time, encouragement and consistent support to express himself.

What makes Charnwood stand out is how inclusive they truly are. They didn’t just say the right things — they proved it every single day. They always found a way to involve Jax in everything, in a way that felt meaningful, not tokenistic. Over time, Jax built confidence, and he absolutely loved being around the other children. Being at Charnwood helped him build up his tolerance of social situations and grow more comfortable in busy environments, while still being supported in a way that felt safe for him.

They also supported Jax practically in ways that made a real difference. They provided weekly physio, and they supported us with applications to other services too — things that can feel overwhelming as a parent, especially when you’re already juggling so much. Through it all, they kept Jax at the heart of everything they did. Every decision, every plan, every conversation came back to what was best for him.

On a personal level, I will never forget the support Charnwood gave me during the death of Jax’s dad, Paul. That period of time was incredibly painful, and the kindness and understanding the team showed wasn’t just professional — it was human. They held us up when we needed it most, and that will stay with me forever.

There are also people who become part of your family’s story, and for us Cathy will always be one of those people. Cathy was Jax’s one-to-one for two years and she will always be extra special to us. The consistency of staff at Charnwood, and the low staff turnover, made such a difference — Jax didn’t have to constantly re-adjust to new faces. He was surrounded by people who knew him, understood him, and genuinely cared about him.

Because of Charnwood, I learned how to put faith into settings again. I’ll be forever grateful for that. They didn’t just support Jax — they supported me as his mum too, and that made all the difference.

We will always wave the Charnwood flag. They were a huge part of Jax’s early years, and a huge part of our journey as a family. If you’re reading this as a parent wondering if your child will be safe, understood and truly included — I can honestly say Charnwood showed us what real inclusion looks like, and we’ll always be forever grateful.”