Three teachers representing partners in Greece, Poland and Romania visit National Star College in Gloucestershire, UK to explore best practice in the delivery of work skills for young people with disabilities.
Monday 20th June (Base room, Manor Lounge, National Star College)
09.30 – Bus to National Star College from British Heart Foundation, Northgate Street (next to The North End Vaults pub)
10.00 – Introduction and welcome to National Star College – Olivia Dickinson, Programme Manager, Work Skills.
10.30 – Presentation was given by visiting partners introducing the work of their organization including one slide for each staff member outlining the work they do and the impact it has on their students’ learning.
11.30 – Coffee and break in base room
12.30 – Lunch in college Bistro -this is a Work Skills locations where learners work alongside professional staff in the Kitchens and front of house.
13.15 – Tour of National Star College -tour included education teaching rooms, therapy areas, outdoor recreation spaces, aqua therapy pool and swimming pool, sensory spaces and creative and expressive arts facilities. The tour explored work skill places such as StarPrint, Star Shop, Art Factory, College reception and Star Bistro.
14.45 – Tea and scones with jam – break in the base room
15.10 – Depart on staff bus to Gloucester.
Teachers had the afternoon to explore around the town of Gloucester.
19-00 – Meal in Regal Pub, Kings Square Gloucester
Tuesday 21st June 2022 (Base Room, Manor Lounge, National Star College)
09.30 – Bus to National Star College from British Heart Foundation, Northgate Street (next to The North End Vaults pub)
10.00 – Programme Manager presentation of Job Coach concept and role at National Star College, then visit to StarPrint enterprise business.
11.00 – Tour of StarShop and StarMart, to view items made by students in Art Factory for sale.
11.30 – Trip to Tewkesbury Abbey and Tea Rooms for Lunch and to observe students working. National Star learners run a café next to the Abbey one day a week. Food is prepared by learners at college and packaged for sale in the café. Learners serve, clear tables, seat customers, prepare food for service make hot and cold drinks.
13.30 – Staff cultural tour of Tewkesbury Abbey and Tewkesbury Town
15.00 – Return to Gloucester
Staff explore Gloucester town with recommendations for places to visit, eat and drink.
Wednesday 22nd June 2022 (Cultural Day)
9:30 – Jamaica Blue Café, Gloucester & wander
11.00 – River Cruise exploring the port of Gloucester and its industrial past. The 1 hour boat cruise sail up the waterway leading to the docks travelling under two swing bridges and passing warehouses used for the storage of goods to be transported through the canals of England.
12.30 – Tour of Gloucester docks, with lunch of traditional fish Fish and Chips
13.00 – Tour of Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester town
15.30 – Free time in Gloucester for shopping and souvenirs.
19.00 – Group meal in Café Rene with live music until 23.00
Thursday 23rd June 2022 (n/a)
Staff to complete a feedback form, ready for Friday’s meeting
Staff walk to Elmscroft Community Centre,
10.30 – Visit to Elmscroft Community Café, tour and shadow (set up and service. Q&A with learners. This is another enterprise café based in the heart of a local community. Learners prepare food for sale, serve and manage the café interacting with the local community.
12.30 – Lunch at Elmscroft Community Café
13:30 – College transport to transport staff to Green Steps enterprise for site visit and QA with learners and staff.
14:30 – Cheltenham Town shopping and visit to Refugee march and event in Cheltenham town to highlight the plight of refugees across the world. Procession with large puppet of a refugee child.
19.00 – Meal and bars at The Brewery, Cheltenham and No.94 bus back to Gloucester.
Friday 24th June 2022- (National Star College)
10.00 –Feedback from study visit. Each partner to present findings and identify 3 areas National Star should consider as potential case studies.
Greek partners depart after feedback meeting
11.30 – Class visits and participation with learners (20 minute rotation of IT, Sport and Theatre classes)
12:30 – Sandwich lunch in Bistro
14:00 – College bus back to Gloucester
15.00 – Free time to explore Gloucester for the last time
21:00 – Gloucester Brewery for goodbye drinks!
