Blooming partnership brings growing success
A group of special needs students has been celebrating the
end of their course with a game of bowls at Brinton Park.
Over the past academic year, the students from Kidderminster
College have spent every Wednesday morning in the park doing work
experience with Wyre Forest District Council's Parks Team.
They have had 'hands on' experience of all types of parks
maintenance work including, planting bulbs and bedding plants as
well as clearing areas of leaves. Much of the work they have
carried out has been in the sensory garden.
The students are in their second year of an Employability Scheme
and the work experience counts towards them gaining an accredited
qualification.
Sharon Strange, Course Tutor, said,
"The partnership between Kidderminster College and Wyre Forest
District Council at Brinton Park has been a huge success and the
experience for our students working in the community with the parks
team has been invaluable. We have seen incredible progress in
the students. One autistic teenager in particular has gone from
saying very little to become a confident student who is always keen
to have his voice heard!"
This is the third year the Council has worked with the College
helping students on the Employability Scheme.
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Community Well-being said,
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the College
and welcoming students to work in our parks. This has real
benefits, not just for them but for the whole community. The
partnership has developed and now they are helping us with other
projects."
Photograph shows, (left to right) Adrian Leonard (Wyre Forest
District Council), Helen Walker (Student), Sharon Strange
(Kidderminster College) and Richard Mason (Student).
Date of issue - 16th June 2011