A Rotherham college supporting students with SEND and a nearby country park are providing an opportunity for students to work in a café, to prepare for life after college. Since July 2024, The ROC Café has been a stepping stone for around 40 students transitioning into adulthood, as they develop practical life skills and learn how to live more independently.

During a previous enterprise in Ulley, staff from the Rotherham Opportunities College noted that many visitors commented on the lack of suitable café facilities at the park. The college’s principal, Dr Perdita Mousely explained that they felt the college could step in and fulfil this need. “We have a good working relationship with Rotherham Council,” she said. “We discussed our plans with them, they listened and as a result, we were able to bring the plans to fruition.”

Students and staff working at the ROC Café in Ulley Country Park

Under the supervision of tutors and an experienced catering coordinator, students spend time serving Ulley Country Park visitors, preparing food and learning about customer service. On top of working in the café, students from the college also prepare many of the snacks sold there.

Since its opening, the ROC café has received great reviews from visitors, a 5-star hygiene rating, and of the 30 school leavers last year, 14 of them went on to secure paid employment or voluntary work. 

Dr Mousely said that for many of their students, working at the café is one of the highlights of their week. “Our mission at Rotherham Opportunities College is to equip our learners with the vital skills to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives in adulthood,” she explained.

Time spent working in the café helps our students to develop important life skills, including how to communicate effectively, prepare food safely and learn about handling money.”

14 of the 30 school leavers last year went into paid employment or voluntary work.

Transitioning into adulthood can be a tricky time to manoeuvre for any young person, but particularly for students with SEND; Dr Mousely noted that for many of the students, the café is their first experience of spending time in a workplace. The initiative acts as a “stepping stone”, helping students to gain confidence in an environment where they are supported by tutors, rather than by an employer who is unfamiliar to them.

Providing work experience in a safe, welcoming environment has helped many of our learners go on to secure jobs in the hospitality industry after successfully completing their studies.”

Dr Mousely suggested that educators and parents who want to find out more about similar schemes in their area should contact their local authority:

"Most councils publish details of the SEND offer on their website, which often contains useful information about the provisions they make for supported internships. The industry body NATSPEC also contains useful resources to assist colleges with setting up supported internships and has lots of useful information for parents and carers.”

If you live near Ulley Country Park and would like to pay a visit, the ROC café operates every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm.