An invitation

We had a visit after lunch from a Police Superintendent. Mike Harper explained that he had received a report from his officers about yesterday's incident at the school. Given the circumstances they would be carrying out an investigation but only once this crisis has passed. He explained that a number of officers had been armed to counter the growing breakdown in law and order - particularly amongst groups of young people who have been less affected by "it".

It is apparently a recurring pattern across the world and a decision was taken at national level to arm police for the duration. Mike explained that the council's emergency group - which has been badly hit by absences and illness - were trying to put support services together for young people specifically. They were interested in what I had been trying to do in school by setting up something for children who had recovered from "it". He asked me of I would be willing to work with the police and what remained of the education and social work services to provide a day centre for education and support in our area. He had authority to move us into the main school building and to provide a secure environment for learning and care. If it worked we would be used as a model for other areas. If I was willing to help the "school" would start tomorrow and would be publicised on the web and local radio and TV, with an open invitation to other (post-viral) teachers, social workers and adults to come and help.

I tried to clarify who would be leading this and he made it clear that this was a partnership activity where we would have to work together. I didn't really have to give it any thought and accepted immediately.

When he left the house half an hour ago I completely broke down - it's this roller coaster from one day to the next which I'm finding so difficult to come to terms with.

Having settled down a bit the next emotion I'm having to deal with is a crisis of confidence - can I make this work?