Work Experience

At Three Ways School we take a personalised approach to work experience. Within the Secondary and Sixth Form departments we explore a wide range of internal and external placements. Many of our pupils build their confidence working in the school setting, in the onsite cafe and in supported work experience placements within the community. The work experience opportunities have proven to be a great addition to the growth of the pupil’s self-esteem, confidence and maturity.

As a school we feel it is essential to give the pupils the best opportunities to succeed in employment or voluntary work when they leave Three Ways. In a work environment, pupils are involved in a different set of skills and challenges and build a range of practical and communication strategies.

We have had many successful placements in and around Bath thanks to the continued support of local employers such as Curo, Midford Manor, BANES parks department, Tom Baker Cricket, Bath Sports Centre, The Roman Baths, Double Tree at Hilton and Hotel Indigo.

We are always looking to broaden the range of employment experiences we can offer our pupils. If you are interested in supporting work experience at Three Ways, or visiting the school to talk about your profession, please contact the school.

The dream of having an on-site work skills centre at Three Ways Special School has became a reality in 2017. Three Ways School spent nearly eight years planning and fundraising to build and equip the Café before it could open to the public. We had wonderful support from local and national trust and grant makers, businesses and individuals to raise over £500,000 to get the centre open.

The aim of the 3 Cafe is to develop employability skills for young people with a range of disabilities and give real-life experience in a café which is open to the public.

The Cafe enables all students to gain vital work skills including communication, customer service experience, money handling skills, time management and working as part of a team. We hope that these key work skills lead to paid employment and further training opportunities. We want to give the students the same chances to join the world of work as any other school leaver. We believe they should have the satisfaction of contributing to the economy and supporting themselves as working adults.

For students working in the Cafe we have worked closely with local environmental health to create a bespoke basic food hygiene course and all the young people are able to gain this qualification.

3 Café provides a direct solution to National Reports and research showing that young people with Special Needs and Disabilities are hugely disadvantaged by their lack of qualifications and access to employment. This new facility will provide improved transition to education and work, and help us to further ensure that we are preparing the young people for open or supported employment and giving options for the future.

Jo Stoaling, Head Teacher says ‘We want all students to be able to support themselves and to live as independently as possible. We want to provide the support and guidance for young people with special needs to gain qualifications and experience to go on to college or to a supported work employment. Our young people are keen to be an important, reliable part of our local work force.’

Emily Danquah a Parent at Three Ways School says ‘The opportunities our children have through the cafe are amazing. To get recognised catering and customer service qualifications and the experience of working in a café is wonderful. This will help our children become one step closer to supporting themselves and being as independent as possible.’