Mum organises prom for home educated children

A mother is organising a prom for up to 100 children who do not attend mainstream school.

Laura Tween is the director of Able Hands Together (AHT), a therapeutic farm which provides health, social and educational care services near Warminster, in Wiltshire.

Ms Tween, whose son is autistic, said she wants to hold a prom for home educated children, children on an education package from home, or for children that have been too ill to gain the attendance they need to access their own prom.

"Proms are a positive end to school and are sometimes used as an incentive, and quite often children that are highly anxious won't meet the criteria and will miss out through no fault of their own," Ms Tween said.

"I think it sends a negative message when we say that children can't go to their prom because they are too anxious to be in school."

Ms Tween said the prom will be held on AHT's farm on 5 June.

Several Wiltshire businesses have already offered to help with marquees, dresses and hairdressing, and others are being encouraged to help if they can.

"Some catering would be really good and so would help with decorations and activities," Ms Tween said.

"If anyone can help with posh cars that would be really great because why should children with needs not have the traditional prom experience?"

She said that putting on the prom "sends a message that a child can still be included in different things even if they suffer with anxiety".

It is hoped the event will have a silent disco to accommodate children with hearing sensitivities, as well as other activities.

If the event is successful, AHT hopes to put on a ball for adults with learning disabilities soon after.

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