A HIGHLY SUPPORTIVE, INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, HELPING THEM DEVELOP SKILLS NEEDED FOR ADULTHOOD.
Derwen College therapy dog Teddy has been awarded with a Pet Companionship Award – one of many accolades for the College, but the first for him. The award recognises the supportive role he plays for students across the College’s campuses in Shropshire. Gentle flatcoated retriever Teddy is a familiar face at the specialist further education college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Owned by Derwen College’s Director of Student Services, Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Paul Bradshaw, Teddy is based at the Gobowen campus near Oswestry and is a regular visitor to the Telford, Ludlow and Walford campuses.
Teddy’s award from Oswestry Life shines a light on the specialist support offered at Derwen College for 16–25-year-old students with SEND, preparing them for adult life. As well as being a friendly presence around College, Teddy supports students’ daily wellbeing and enrichment sessions. Activities include ‘Walking with Teddy’ for fresh air and gentle exercise, and ‘Reading with Teddy’ – a calm space to unwind and share a favourite book.
Derwen College provides a highly supportive, inclusive environment for students with learning and physical disabilities, autism, behaviours of concern, and moderate, complex or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Programmes are personalised, focusing on developing employability, independence and essential life skills, so each learner can progress at a pace that suits them. Most students learn through practical, real-life work experience.
At the Gobowen campus, vocational pathways in Hospitality & Food, Retail & Enterprise, Horticulture and Performing Arts include hands-on learning in the College’s ‘Marketplace’, which features a garden centre and gift shop, charity shop, café, restaurant and mini training hotel. Students at the Telford, Ludlow and Walford campuses follow a Work & Independence pathway, developing customer service, hospitality, employability and enterprise skills. When ready, students progress to external work placements with local and national employers, including Premier Inn and McDonald’s.
At Gobowen, the ‘Learning for Life’ pathway supports students who aren’t yet work-ready, helping them develop teamwork, communication and social skills. The College also offers a Nurture programme for students with PMLD. Shared activities and the chance to meet new people play a key part in student development. Learners take part in a wide range of activities and sports, including an impressive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme. Teddy even had the honour of meeting His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, during a visit to the College’s DofE Outdoor Centre last year.
Derwen College is known for its nurturing, empowering approach – helping learners grow in confidence and develop the skills they need for adulthood. Students go on to achieve things that they, and their families, never thought possible. Paul Bradshaw said: “We’re incredibly proud of Teddy and the positive impact he has at College. The award is a lovely recognition – and it also highlights the supportive, nurturing environment we work hard to provide for our learners every day.” Student Emily, who loves to walk Teddy, said: “I’m very proud of Teddy – and I’ll be giving him an extra treat at the next Walking with Teddy session.” Find out more about this award-winning provision or book a place on an open day at www.derwen.ac.uk
