OLDHAM’S Bright Futures School, which teaches children with autism, is looking for opportunities for some of its older pupils to volunteer for work experience placements.

Two of the school’s older pupils – Harry Gibbins and and Marley Servio – are participating in a new ASDAN short course which focuses on “employability skills development.

Head of learning Alison Hughes said: “Staff have been working hard to find opportunities for pupils to view the world outside of Bright Futures School and we are appealing to the general public to help us develop this area further.”

Last half-term provided the boys with an opportunity to discuss customer awareness with owners of the Greenfield family-run business Station Brew Café.

Pupils got an insight into working life in the food industry and found out more about what employers look for when they are recruiting staff and how important it is to provide

good customer care.

In addition, Harry and Marley also joined Kate Hall, outreach development ranger for the Peak District National Park, at Dovestone Reservoir. Kate is responsible for ensuring the reservoirs and surrounding areas are looked after. The boys were fortunate enough to find out all about Kate’s role and also learn the history of Dovestone.

Kate said: “What does it mean to be an outreach ranger at Dovestone? With my help, as the Ranger, Harry and Marley have been finding out just that.

“So far, they have been exploring the area, learning about rights of way, looking out for and reporting damaged fences, stiles or gates, looking at how Dovestone got its name and helping to keep it looking good by litter picking.

“They have also been on a tour of the pump house which operates the reservoirs, kindly undertaken by Chris Breen, the catchment officer for United Utilities.”

Bright Futures School has recently moved from Grasscroft to new temporary premises in Greenacres, whilst awaiting new premises to be built in Greenfield.

The school, which now has 12 pupils, specialises in provision for children with autism and brings a new approach to autism education. A recent OFSTED inspection, in December, judged the school as “good”, acknowledging that “staff support pupils very effectively in managing the social and emotional difficulties that pupils experience, which are characteristic of autism spectrum disorder. “Consequently, pupils develop greatly improved attitudes to learning during their time at the school which enables them to access the curriculum with considerable success.”

Any businesses able to help, should contact Alison at the school on 01457 878738 or email alison@brightfuturesschool.co.uk