Weston College is a UK finalist for creating outstanding results for students with SEND Weston College has been announced as a finalist for the Association of College’s Beacon Awards - Inclusive Learning Leadership Award supported by the National Centre of Diversity.

The College has been recognised for its transformational approach to creating outstanding progression results for students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), and creating an ethos which celebrates inclusive practice which has driven the College’s mission, strategic plan and ambitions for all its students, regardless of their starting point in life.

Since 2001, the College has completely transformed its ethos, to create a culture change from being an ‘FE provider with pockets of inclusion’ to a ‘fully inclusive organisation delivering FE’.

The organisational wide change to empower students from all backgrounds to achieve, has been driven by its Principal, Dr Paul Phillips who has created a visible and highly celebrated culture of inclusion with an ‘person centred’ approach to progression.

The whole college approach to ‘inclusive practice’ has ensured that SEND students achieve comparable outcomes to those who do not – leading to the College being recognised as one of three UK National SEND Centres of Excellence.

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE, commented: “It’s been quite a journey, if we rewind to 1981, the College had just eight learners with additional needs.

"Today, we are proud to have 1,316 SEND students, 511 of those with high needs undertaking a wide range of FE/HE courses, apprenticeships, and supported internships with 33% into employment, which compares to just. 6% nationally.”

"The aspirational place that inclusive practice holds within the College’s strategic plan, was even more evident in lockdown, with the Inclusive Practice team, having co-designed the College’s EdTech strategy – seeing its aspiration for ‘digital inclusion’ realised with 91% SEND pandemic attendance as a result of the hugely successful #MyVirtualCollege roll out.”

The Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.

This award supported by the National Centre of Diversity and AoC seeks to celebrate outstanding examples of colleges who champion and practice inclusive leadership and demonstrate the values of respectfulness, inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Those who demonstrate innovative and excellent teaching and learning in one or more subject areas to enable students to develop excellent knowledge of inclusion- (FREDIE) fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said: “This award showcases how colleges are centering inclusion in everything they do.

"Colleges are inspirational because inclusive teaching and leadership filters down to every area of college life and students have the opportunity to develop these behaviours. Colleges whose mission and vision reflects the society they serve is hugely important and gives students and staff a sense of belonging.”

The AoC Beacon Awards finalists were announced at the AoC FE Summit on Tuesday 17 November. Winners will be announced in Spring 2021.

The iconic Winter Gardens set to open newly refurbished eatery.

The Weston College Group is delighted to announce the imminent opening of The Green House in Weston-super-Mare, in partnership with prestigious South West catering and events company, Fosters Events.

The Green House will serve as one of two eateries offered by the Winter Gardens complex; itself, and Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen; both distinct in offering and curated with the local community at the heart of their operation.

The College Group has signed a management partnership agreement with Fosters Events, commencing in November 2020, which will lead the way for the new Winter Gardens Complex offering.

Acting as the first step in the re-launch, The Green House will offer a café style service with views across the Italian Gardens, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, takeaway coffee, and treats.

The opening of The Green House is just one element of the ambitious plan to breathe new life into the iconic Winter Gardens complex, following the forced closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.

In 2021, the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen will see phase two of the relaunch take place, inviting diners to enjoy a second food and drink venue offering a casual restaurant and bar experience, with a cocktail style bar, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts.

With over 65 years’ experience in bringing the most prestigious events and catering services to the South West, Fosters Events will not only relaunch both dining venues onsite, but they will also take on the management of the Winter Gardens sought-after events space and conference facilities.

Fosters Events long-standing history in the South West has seen them at the forefront of some of the region’s most impressive venues, including exclusive catering contracts with venues such as The Box Kitchen & Bar at The Box Museum & Gallery in Plymouth, The Bristol Pavilion at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bath Rugby Club, The Passenger Shed at Bristol Temple Meads, and The Orangery at Goldney Hall, to name a few.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group who own the Winter Gardens, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “We conducted an in-depth selection process as we looked at a new catering and events partnership, and it was Fosters Events that emerged as the standout choice for us. Their reputation for providing a first-rate service and excellent food was very appealing.”

“We have been busy planning how we can safely re-open considering the health and safety of both customers and staff, and due to the ongoing situation we will be approaching this in phases – The Green House is the first stage in this revival, with more exciting developments planned for when it is safe to do so.”

“I do not underestimate the importance of the Winter Gardens to the town and our community, it’s a hugely important feature of Weston-super-Mare’s history and landscape, and we’re determined to keep it that way.”

Fosters CEO Neil Lodge adds: “For nearly 100 years the Winter Gardens has been a building and venue much loved, not only by those living in the town but the numerous visitors coming to the town annually.”

“Fosters are so very excited about the prospect of breathing new life into the Winter Gardens starting with the newly refurbished and named ‘The Green House’, which we cannot wait to open as soon as we are able to, following the second lockdown, and we thoroughly look forward to welcoming our first guests in December.”

“This will be followed by the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen in 2021, with a more relaxed casual dining and bar offer, taking advantage of the incredible views across Weston Bay, and also the relaunch of corporate, private and community events in the stunning Ballroom. Our seasonal changing menus will celebrate the very best local food and beverage suppliers and produce, and we cannot wait to start showcasing these to our guests at the Winter Gardens.”

“As you may be able to tell by the name ‘The Green House’, we have spent a lot of time creating a fresh and inviting dining space that mirrors the Italian Gardens, bringing the outside in and installing a completely new look to the space.”

“The team is extremely excited to bring the local community something new, and we can’t wait to welcome you and for you to try something delicious from our menus."

The Green House entrance is on the Italian Gardens side of the complex and is set to launch in December, with the team continually reviewing plans in line with the latest Government guidelines.

There will be a special launch day offer, details of which will be shared with the public in due course, with the team opening the doors to the community and inviting them in to enjoy the brand-new space.

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University Centre Weston (UCW) graduate Anna Palmer, a 30-year-old, who lives in Clevedon was a finalist for the Return to Learning Award at yesterday's national Festival of Learning Awards 2020. The awards celebrate learning and showcase the wide-ranging impacts adult learning has on individuals and their families.

Anna was nominated for this award as she turned her life around following her marriage breakdown, when she decided to return to learning at Weston College.

Anna commented; “I’ve always had a love for creativity and being able to make someone feel good about themselves but following unhealthy relationships and a lack of support with my son who has additional needs, I suffered from low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

“After my marriage separation I found the strength, with the help of my friends, to enrol on an adult course. The Level 2 Hair and Media course was an adult course at Weston College. It consisted of 3-days a week in college, so I could comfortably work part-time and be a hands-on mum with my 2 children. I absolutely loved this course and after completing it I immediately enrolled on a Level 3 Theatrical Hair and Make-up course which was also timetabled over 3-days a week so worked well for me.

“With the support of Weston College and my tutors believing that I had the potential to complete a university course, I decided to start the BA (Hons) degree in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Production at UCW, and alongside this I started my own hair and make-up business called Anna Palmer's Hair/ SFX Make-up & Prosthetics.

“The thought of going to university had never crossed my mind before my journey at the College, however I have now completed a BA Honours degree! “My friends and family are so proud of me. They’ve seen me in my darkest place and have watched me grow in determination, confidence and maturity.

“My studies at Weston College and UCW have helped me to show my children you really can achieve anything you want even when you feel you're not good enough and just want to give up. Even though it’s been hard for us all, to me this is one of the greatest things I could have ever proved to them.

“I finally feel happy and excited for the future. I’ve always wanted to have a qualification and career that I enjoy and take pride in. I am now in an industry I am passionate about, earning my own money and enjoying life to the full, with my children and the people I love.

“I really do want to thank all my friends, family and my tutors at Weston College and UCW for believing in me”.

Sandy Day, UCW's Programme Coordinator for Hair Make-up and Prosthetics for Production, said: "The Festival of Learning Awards is such a great initiative and as soon as I found out about it I thought of Anna and started writing her nomination right there and then! I've taught Anna throughout her time at Weston College and UCW, and I'm so proud of the professional and personal journey she's been on and all of her wonderful achievements along the way."

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE said, “Anna is a phoenix rising from the ashes. She is determined to have a brighter future for herself and her children and her level of commitment has been a shining example to her family, friends, and other students. Congratulations Anna, you’re a true inspiration.”

If Anna’s story inspires you to take the next step:

• Browse our range of part-time adult course
• See UCW higher education courses
• Find out about forthcoming events