Northumberland school serves up a new community café in village
A school in south east Northumberland has officially opened its new community café.
Our Café, based at The Uniun Building in Pegswood, offers freshly prepared food, homemade baking and barista-style drinks served by pupils with special educational needs and disabilities for members of the local community.
Students at Cleaswell Hill School have played an active role in the full refurbishment of Our Café, working closely with local businesses and members of the community throughout the project.
It provides pupils from the Ofsted-outstanding day community special school with useful work experience opportunities – including customer service, food preparation and hospitality – to develop confidence, independence and employability skills for adult life.
Project lead Leighton Berry said: “Our Café is much more than somewhere to buy coffee.
“It gives pupils the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and engage with the local community in a meaningful way.”
The official opening event was hosted by Cleaswell Hill School pupils and attended by school staff members, governors, supporters from the local community, Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery and representatives from Northumberland County Council.
Mr Lavery said: “I have long admired the inspiring work the school does with young people whose needs would not be catered for so comprehensively elsewhere.
“Our Cafe is a fine example of how to provide students who need more assistance than others with an education designed totally to meet each of their individual requirements.
“I was proud seeing these fantastic young members of our community achieving so much. The food was great and the service second to none.
“I urge everyone to come to Our Café. You’ll be helping the Cleaswell Hill School’s students gain valuable skills – but be warned, you may gain a few pounds yourself from the irresistible food they produce.”
The community café will be open to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.30am to 2pm.
Mike Jackson, the school’s headteacher, said: “Our Café is an exciting addition to Cleaswell Hill School and the local community. It provides pupils with authentic, work-related learning experiences to support their transition into adulthood.
“We are looking forward to welcoming members of the public to Our Café and would like to thank the local community for their support with this exciting project.”