It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week! To celebrate, we want to showcase some information regarding inclusion awareness training.

Weston College has seen increasing demand from our employer network for neurodiversity and inclusion awareness training. Business demand, alongside only 1 in 5 autistic adults being in employment, resulted in the College creating training for employers to access, supporting businesses to make inclusive adjustments in hiring and employment processes. Supporting existing staff has also been a theme given that 65% of neurodivergent employees do not disclose their conditions due to fear of discrimination improving inclusion strategies and policies will foster a more inclusive workplace.  

During the past 18 months, over 450 people from 40+ businesses have been trained; sharing key knowledge on recruiting, retaining, and supporting staff and customers. Workshops cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia along with racism, LGBTQ+ issues, sensory differences, and trauma-informed response.  

The initiative has generated promising results, with businesses like Mendip Activity Centre, Puxton Park, and The Grand Pier implementing changes to become more neurodiversity friendly. Puxton Park has made its facilities more inclusive and accessible, diversified its workforce, and created tailored roles for applicants.  

Similarly, Mendip Activity Centre, known for its outdoor activities, underwent dedicated training, fostering empathy and understanding among staff members. The Grand Pier now provides sensory-sensitive equipment and a quiet room for visitors with sensory sensitivities.  

Mendip Activity Centre, known for its adventurous outdoor activities’ welcome individuals and groups of all ages and abilities took part in dedicated training. One staff member remarked that, "Just by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes who is neurodivergent was hugely impactful and we don’t have the ability to understand unless we ask".   

Lynsey McKinstry, Business Partnership Manager for SEND provision, has continued to support businesses in their goals to understand and value individual needs. The initiative aims to create a genuinely inclusive society where everyone can thrive. " Instilling Inclusion at every level and opening employment routes for neurodivergent employees; the journey into inclusive practice is not just about ticking a box, but about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive utilising incredible skills that are often overlooked."  

Employers interested in the training can contact Lynsey at employers@weston.ac.uk or visit our Inclusive Practice page.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

As part of Futures Month, Weston College had the privilege of hosting a transformative workshop led by renowned Sports Psychologist Marcus Nel. This workshop left a lasting impact on L3 and L4 learners, providing valuable insights into the world of sports psychology and performance optimisation. 

Marcus Nel, a highly qualified and respected figure in the field of sports psychology, brings a wealth of experience working with elite athletes, including his contributions to the success of Bristol Bears and Gloucestershire Cricket. His expertise and proven track record in enhancing mental resilience and performance have made him a sought-after professional in the sporting world.

The workshop aimed to empower learners with practical strategies and psychological tools to maximise their potential both in and out of the sporting arena. Marcus Nel delved into key aspects of mental toughness, stress management, and goal setting, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. 

The workshop was structured to engage participants in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, providing them with a hands-on understanding of the principles Marcus Nel advocates for peak performance. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the psychological aspects of athletic achievement, fostering a holistic approach to their personal and professional development. 

"We are thrilled to have had Marcus Nel join us for this enriching workshop. His expertise and engaging presentation style captivated our learners, and the knowledge shared will contribute to their growth and success," remarked Dan Lomax, FE Curriculum Coordinator in Sport and Health. 

This workshop forms part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

Interested in finding out more about our Sport and Fitness courses? Click here. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

We are thrilled to announce that today our Health and Sport department hosted of the 'Biggest Ever Football Session' for Year 4/5 girls in celebration of International Women's Day, March 8th. The event was proudly supported by our talented female BTEC Sport students and Football Academy players. 

In collaboration with the North Somerset Schools PE Association (NSSPEA), this tournament aimed to celebrate girls' football by providing a unique opportunity for local primary school girls to actively participate in the sport. Throughout the morning, our female sport learners lead various activities and refereed matches, adding an extra layer of mentorship and guidance to the participants. 

Georgia, our Female Academy Head Coach, expresses the importance of this event, stating, "The aim of the tournament was to celebrate women and girls’ football by providing an opportunity for local primary schoolgirls to play the sport and showcase that football is accessible to them. Following the success of the Senior England Women’s Football team over the last few years, it is important that we continue to build on the legacy that was created by our Lionesses in 2022 through winning a home European Championship and provide opportunities for young girls to take up the sport." 

"International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate women in sport and their achievements. It’s a chance to educate and raise awareness about the bias, stereotypes, challenges, and discrimination that women in sport have experienced and how we can celebrate difference as well as how we can drive inclusion and equality in sport. 

As Georgia emphasises, " For the younger generation, International Women’s Day can highlight sporting heroes, whether that be athletes, coaches, officials, or other inspirational figures that they can look up to. The day can help inspire positive change for young women and girls in sport and hopefully move us closer to an industry that is equal for all". 

Thank you to our health and sport learners and staff for an incredible tournament, happy International Women's Day!

For those interested in exploring Sport and Fitness courses at Weston College, please visit Sport and Fitness | Weston College 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.