A coffee shop is helping young people with learning disabilities find out about the world of work.
Breward's Coffee Shop has been set up by Homefield College in its home village of Mountsorrel, near Loughborough, in Leicestershire.
The college provides education, training, care and support to people with learning and communication disabilities, helping them achieve their goals through practical experiences and centred learning in the community.
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As well as the new coffee shop, the college runs Barrow of Treats sweetshop in a neighbouring village which also provides experience for students to develop their employment skills in a real workplace.
College principal Tracey Forman said now that restrictions are lifting again, students had been excited to get back to work and create new recipes to share with customers who can finally dine-in again.
One of the first dine-in guests was Loughborough MP Jane Hunt, who sampled the homemade flapjack and fruit tea at Breward’s as part of a visit to the college.
She also led a Q&A session with students across the college over Microsoft Teams, discussing topics such as road-safety, flooding and the role of members of parliament.
She said: “Breward’s is a wonderful addition to the Mountsorrel landscape – it’s warm and friendly and they serve some fantastic cakes.
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“As well as being a great place for a hot drink and something to eat, it also provides students with learning and communication disabilities with vital work experience.
“It allows the students to grow their skills and confidence, preparing them for future employment.
“Thanks to everyone at Homefield for opening this fabulous facility.”
Ms Forman said the coffee shop helps students focus on good customer service and hospitality, and learn skills such as food preparation, meeting and greeting, using the till and money handling, functional IT skills and health and safety.
She said: “We believe that our students achieve through experience, which is why we run our own enterprises.
“People with learning and communication disabilities often struggle to gain meaningful employment, so we use our enterprises to help equip our students with the knowledge, experience and transferable skills needed to secure external work placements and future employment.
We were delighted to welcome Jane Hunt MP to tour Homefield and to experience student service at Breward’s. Daniel and Ethan provided excellent and attentive service, and we are really happy to see their confidence grow as more guests dine-in at Breward’s.”
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Breward’s also sells a range of craft products, woodwork, artwork and cards made by Homefield students and residents.
The coffee shop is currently open between 9am and 2pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during term time, with future plans of Saturday openings and student internships over the holidays.