We have been working closely with Foreland Fields School to raise the confidence of young people through discussions about their rights, alongside presentations from local groups. Foreland Fields School opened it’s doors to visitors from local businesses and groups in July to celebrate the first year of an exciting initiative to give pupils a voice about their future. The group of sixth formers, who all have a learning disability, meet every two months and have already enjoyed talking to representatives from Tesco, Pathways, and Kent County Council.
Head Teacher, Adrian Mount, said, ‘It is so important to prepare our pupils for when they leave school and I am very proud to see their growing confidence to speak up and ask questions, showing that they are really thinking about their next steps.’
Michelle Hosken from East Kent Mencap, who organises the events as part of KCC’s Valuing People Now initiative, commented: ‘At first the young people were quite shy but they are now really enthusiastic about standing up for their rights as equal citizens.’
Sixth Former Poppy, said the course had helped her think about her career and she would like explore becoming a make up artist.
The project is keen to make contact with local businesses and organisations who would be willing to come along to the group to talk to pupils about career opportunities. Anyone interested is invited to contact Michelle Hosken on 07577 681 783.
