Post 16 students from Laleham Gap School in Ramsgate, a special communication and interaction school for children with autism and speech and language issues, have spent three days working at a shop and cafe and it proved to be a treat in all ways.
The Post 16 students worked at the café and shop at the Nethergong campsite near Canterbury. “They diligently and excellently carried out all the tasks set by manager Lewis,” explained their teacher Mr Ursell. “They did the tills, took and calculated payments, organised the shop floor, replenished and priced all the stock. They welcomed customers and even developed sales initiatives.”
Mr Parkin, the Post 14 lead at the school, had organised for Years 8,9 and 10 to visit. With the generous support of ‘Friends of Laleham Gap School’ each student had up to £5 to spend as an end of year treat. Mr Parkin, who visited during the week, said: “It was great to see the students stepping up and confidently doing their assigned roles and gaining such valuable experiences of the world of work.”
With the support of Willowbanks Education, which runs activities from the site, the students even kept a campfire going so every shopper could roast their own marshmallow whilst relaxing and enjoying any purchases they made.
Nethergong manager Lewis was full of praise for the students: “It was our pleasure to host the post 16 students and set them to work. They showed great courage, determination, and a real can-do attitude that will stand them in good stead for whatever their future holds. We would welcome them back any time.”
Mr Ursell added: “One of the reasons we will now build and expand on this relationship with Nethergong and Willowbanks is because Laleham Gap is all about providing real-life experiences that are deeper and designed to develop students’ independence and life skills.
“The Post 16 ethos is to merge learning inside and outside the classroom. Back in class all the students had a lesson where they updated their CVs to include this experience – thus improving their preparation for their futures.”
Willowbanks Education runs its activities and courses from Nethergong. These include fishing and forest school and can be found at: Fishing and Forest School | Willowbank Education
More about Nethergong Camping can be found at: Nethergong Camping
