Pupil power sees college boost access and bag national award
WORK by staff and students to collaborate with the local community and improve accessibility has seen a college secure a national education award.
Responsible for supporting young adults with special educational needs, Rotherham Opportunities College was named as the winner of the NATSPEC innovative approach to equality, diversity and inclusion award.
The college secured the award in recognition of the ground-breaking work it has delivered at Ulley Country Park.
The college was recognised for the partnership work it has delivered, working alongside Rotherham Council and the Ernest Cook Trust’s Blue Influencer’s Scheme, to improve accessibility to Ulley for disabled visitors to the park.
As part of the work at Ulley, students run a popular café, which opens every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and sells tasty snacks produced at the college.
The award also recognised the contributions made by students to improve accessibility within Ulley Country Park, which has seen the installation of a hand-carved, wheelchair-friendly sensory bench, improved handrails and a new sensory wall.
Students have also teamed up with artists to design and install hedgehog houses, bird boxes, a giant bug hotel and a striking nature-inspired mural.
To celebrate winning the award, staff, students and families hosted a special day of events and activities at Ulley Country Park, with proceeds raised being used to help fund the college’s planned expansion to new premises later this year.
The award win means ROC is one of seven specialist education colleges across the UK in the running for the prestigious Kathryn Rudd Award, which will be presented at the NATSPEC annual conference on June 9.
Category judge Jeff Greenidge said: “ROC positioned SEND students as co-designers of accessibility solutions, rather than recipients of support.
“It integrates real-world design, environmental stewardship and local community collaboration into SEND education, with the potential for creating long-term cultural change in the community.”
Dr Perdita Mousley, ROC Principal said: “We believe that everyone has an important role to play in shaping and making positive contributions to society.
“The work produced at Ulley was led by our students, and I hope their work will be enjoyed by the thousands of visitors that spend time in Ulley Country Park for many years to come.”