Every head has that one child who keeps them awake at night.
The one you carry home in your heart.
The one you wish you could do more for.
I was speaking to Sian recently about Tia — a bright, funny Year 4 girl with learning differences that sometimes spill into frustration.
The kind of child who shines… and struggles… and stays on your mind.
Sian wanted to do more for Tia, and many others in her school.
But resources just wouldn’t stretch any further.
And she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was somehow failing Tia.
It was heartbreaking to see a headteacher — so committed, like all heads are — feeling so low because she believed she wasn’t doing enough for a child she cared about deeply.
So we sat down with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Not as a worksheet — just as a way to really look at what was already in place for her.
And it was surprising (but also not).
Physical needs?
Met. Safe, nourished, cared for.
Safety?
Strong. A team around her who knew her well.
Belonging?
Overflowing. Five trusted adults, teammates who looked out for her, a school she adored.
Esteem?
Growing. Not perfect, but improving — a lot.
Self-actualisation?
Well… that’s a journey for all of us, isn’t it?
I asked Sian, quietly,
“Do you think you’re doing everything you can for her with the resources you’ve got?”
She paused.
And then she smiled.
“Yes. I really do.”
Then I asked, “Is Tia happy and growing?”
Another pause.
“Yes — most days. We have the odd bump.”
So I asked, “Are those ‘bump’ days getting fewer?”
And Sian’s smile widened.
“Yes,” she beamed.
You could see something soften in her.
Not because Tia’s needs disappeared — but because she realised how many were already being met.
So if there’s a child tugging at your heart this week, think about:
- What needs are already being met?
- What does that say about the care you’ve already poured in?
You do an amazing job for your children.
You want to do more — I know.
But what you’re already giving makes such a difference.
And it shows.
Wishing you warmth and rest this half term,
Sonia 💛