An innovative and unique school bakery cafe will open its doors to the public in West Kirby later this month.
Operated by Post-16 students, West Kirby School and College’s bakery cafe will help students gain life skills alongside their learning, such as baking, barista skills, customer service and business development.
It will offer locally-sourced coffee, sourdough loaves, focaccia and a selection of cakes and biscuits, all produced freshly on-site by pupils.
The School Bakery will be open to the public at the school, on Meols Drive in West Kirby, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after the Easter holidays, from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
School Principal Sian Thomas said: “Our vision for The School Bakery is to create a place where young people can learn through ‘real life’ experiences, which will develop their capabilities, grow their confidence levels and prepare them for adulthood.”
The bakery was launched during a private event attended by families, working partners in the community and trustees.
One parent said: “It was wonderful watching Thom, completely calm and collected, utilising his new skills in his safe environment.
“The bakery has allowed him to flourish and try new things and feel confident and proud of his achievements and it’s great having something to show at the end of it that is appreciated by others.
“It helps him also with a part-time job in a kitchen where he is a kitchen porter and gets to be with his friends who wait on him.
“A wonderful addition to the school!”
The school, dedicated to delivering outstanding educational opportunities for young people with special educational needs, was recently awarded ‘advanced status’ Autism Accreditation, while the National Autistic Society highlighted that the bakery will give pupils key skills in communication.
Local businesses supporting the school include Leaf & Hickory’s in West Kirby, Joe Black Coffee Roasters, Kensington Bread Company, Kimberley Caza, Creambakery and Liverpool Community College.