Newman School students serve up Christmas treats at Magna

PUPILS served up a special treat for teachers, parents and special guests – with a little help from the chef at Rotherham’s biggest events venue.

Magna head chef Phil Childs took a break from preparing from a series of party nights to plan and produce afternoon tea with children from Newman School.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley and Mrs Sandra Buckley, were among the special guests spoiled by students from the Whiston special needs school.

Magna has been working with local schools and community groups to help give work experience opportunities across all areas of the organisation. 

Brian Chapple, chair of Magna, said the charity was keen to give children work experience and said it was clear they had “taken a tremendous amount from working with our team”.

Newman School head Paul Silvester added: “The students have been given the chance to show off their skills to a wider audience, to their friends and family as well as special guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham. 

“It has been great for their self-confidence and we thank Magna for giving them this opportunity and extra confidence to go out for job interviews and really be part of the community.”

Joanne Harper, a parent of one of the students, took part in the cooking but also provided live entertainment during the event. 

She said: “It takes a village to raise a child and everyone here today is our village. “Newman School has given our children the skills and tools to go out into the world and enter the workforce. 

“They have masses of talent and we're grateful for opportunities such as today thank Magna and the local community for their continued support.”

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, the local National Citizen Service provider, was involved in the project.

NCS operations manager Ruth Dobson, NCS operations manager said it was a great showcase for the NCS programme and the skills it helps young people to build.

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