Vicky Ford MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, paid a visit to The Westminster School in Sandwell to talk to students about a number of successful programmes to aid their development.

During her visit, Mrs Ford spoke to Post 16 students about their experiences on the supported internship and apprenticeship programmes. She heard first-hand about how the programmes prepared them for the world of work, developing a range of important skills, building self-confidence and raising their aspirations for life after education.  

She also met ex-students who had successfully completed internships and apprenticeships and were now in employed.

The Chelmsford MP also joined a life skills class in the school’s dedicated supported living apartment, which had been furnished and decorated by students, and allowed them to gain confidence and independence.

Students demonstrated how their social enterprise curriculum gave them the opportunity to run their own businesses and develop work-related skills.  The school will shortly be opening a craft retail outlet at Baggeridge Country Park to sell the products they have made. Head Teacher, Christine Hill, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Mrs Ford to our school to demonstrate how our curriculum allows students to develop a wide range of life and employability skills which are vital to enable them to fulfil their aspirations to work and live independently after they leave school.”