A Little 'Paws'...

Sometimes the best way to move forwards is to pause for a while.

For the past year, an 'OakWell Education' blog has appeared every week without fail. Some have celebrated success, some have explored education, some have made us smile (I'm still standing by the pigeons), and others have reflected on the challenges that students, families and schools face.

Writing these blogs has become something I genuinely look forward to. They have been an opportunity to share thoughts, celebrate achievements, offer support and, every now and then, introduce you to the two bullmastiffs who bring so much laughter, comfort and happiness to life at 'OakWell Education'.

For the next two weeks, though, the blog is taking... A Little 'Paws'. Not because we've run out of things to say. Quite the opposite.

'OakWell Education' is busier than ever, supporting students preparing for September, coaching families, creating new resources and planning exciting projects for the months ahead. The work continues as always, but there is one small interruption to the usual routine. For seven of those fourteen days, we'll be enjoying a well-earned break in Tenerife.

This decision has been met with absolute outrage from 'OakWell Education's' four-legged management team.

Bronte, our Chief Welfare Officer, has already made it clear that leaving without her is an unacceptable breach of contract. Nelly, meanwhile, appears to be coping slightly better... mainly because she has realised that Uncle Kid is moving in.

As far as the dogs are concerned, Uncle Kid ranks somewhere between a favourite human and a mobile treat dispenser. I suspect that within approximately twenty-three seconds of us leaving, they will have completely forgotten we ever existed. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if, after a visit to Uncle Kid's huge garden and the beach, they refuse to come home with us!

The irony isn't lost on me that we spend so much of our time encouraging students, parents and fellow professionals to look after themselves, take breaks and recognise that rest is an essential part of performing at our best. It seems only right that we follow our own advice.

So, while the blogs are taking a little 'paws', (see what we did there?) 'OakWell Education' certainly isn't standing still. There are exciting things happening behind the scenes, and we'll return in two weeks refreshed, recharged and ready to continue helping students, families and schools grow.

In the meantime, we would like to thank everyone who reads, shares and comments on these blogs. Your support means more than you know and has helped 'OakWell Education' continue to grow from a tiny acorn into something I'm incredibly proud of. Thank you, too, for embracing Bronte and Nelly along the way. They believe they' are the real stars of 'OakWell Education'—and judging by the messages they receive, they might just be right!

So, enjoy the sunshine, make time for the people (and pets) who matter most, and don't forget that sometimes the best way to move forwards is to pause for a while. After all, even mighty oaks occasionally need a little sunshine before they continue to grow.

We'll be back in two weeks.

Until then, Bronte and Nelly will be keeping a very close eye on Uncle Kid... mainly to make sure the treat supply doesn't run out.