Meadowgate School in Wisbech hoping to strengthen links with businesses and help its students with new courses

A school for people with learning disabilities is putting on a range of new courses designed to stop their students being “overlooked” by employers.

In September, Meadowgate Special School in Wisbech will launch a department for car maintenance, catering and horticulture, which will offer nationally recognised qualifications for their final year students.

The car maintenance course, which is already up and running, has proved the great success. Businessman Eddie Boyd donated a car for the students to work on and Wayne Reeve of Hi-Tech motor engineers has allowed the students to do work experience with his mechanics.

In addition, budding gardeners have supported the Wisbech in Bloom team by helping to plant sustainable shrub beds in Wisbech Park.

Emma Bird, head of vocational studies, said: “We are very grateful for the support from these local businesses and community groups and we look forward to further strengthening these bonds with the school in the future.

“Students with special needs are often overlooked by employers and we aim to reverse that trend by showcasing what they can achieve through a vocationally based curriculum.

“We have a purpose built workshop, equipped to run like a garage; a purpose built catering unit with a coffee shop and a horticultural site incorporating a polytunnel, raised beds and a potting workshop.

“We are looking to work with local employers to develop and support these vocational courses to underpin the value of these youngsters in the workplace.”

If you would like to get involved with the school’s vocational department, contact Emma Bird at 01945 461836