We already have a charity shop where the youngsters run the shop, we wish replicate the same in catering with introducing qualifications. The charity aims to provide a quality education for all within a framework of equal opportunities and inclusion. No matter what their ability, or disability and we work hard to meet their needs.
The Café would initially create two new opportunities for jobs. We would recruit two members of staff to be able to work the total of 62.5 hours per week required to keep the café open for 52 weeks of the year.
The youngsters will be expected to work on a rota basis the 39 weeks of the year during school hours. We have had initial discussions with Enfield Mencap and they are willing to help out on other times of the year (school holidays) and we would also welcome other groups such as Community Link and STARs.

What we'll deliver:

• Open a new shop in Enfield Town
• Create a learning environment for youngsters to learn new skills
• In an area where shops are still closing, bring new life.
• Provide a local community service

Why it's a great idea:

Our aim at the school is to make every youngster as independent as we possibly can. Thorough our charity, we have made big advances with not only our school pupils, but the wider community and we intend to do the same at Enfield café. We expect everyone who wishes to be part of the experience to have an opportunity to upskill in customer service, food hygiene, health & safety were we can deliver AQA and BTEC qualifications.
More importantly, we wish to help develop social skills in being able to live in the world of work. As we like to say, “to give them a suitcase of skills for the rest of their life!”
West Lea School is determined to make this happen for not only for our pupils, but like the charity shop to enable the community to be involved and enable other schools within the borough to be part of.

Steps to get it done:

• Dedicated staff to ensure we stay on track
• This project is part of our strategies and aims
• We already have a charity shop and about to open 2nd, we therefore have experience

We have already retail experience within our borough. The impact of the shop has been widely welcomed within the borough that we are about to open our second charity shop. When the opportunity to take on the Enfield Town Café, we knew this was the right thing for our youngsters to get involved with as this will enable them to develop new skills, independence, further develop a better quality of life and widen our teaching and work experience. It is the aim to enable all the above to develop into confident and independent adults, who can make decisions for themselves, yet work together and value others. At West Lea School we are committed to fostering compassion and improving tomorrow for those with learning disabilities. We are dedicated to helping those with disabilities to live their life to the fullest, while creating an atmosphere that creates a better tomorrow. We strive to offer a community that promotes self-respect, independence, and improves the quality of life for all.