MP receives masterclass from Rotherham Opportunities College students

Sarah Champion swapped the House of Commons for a seat in the classroom to find out more about how Rotherham Opportunities College is helping to transform the lives of disabled youngsters living in the borough.

During the last school year, Rotherham Opportunities College, which supports young adults with physical and learning disabilities and/or autism, has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its services, with student numbers doubling since September.

Today, the college supports over 70 young people aged 16-25, and during her visit, Sarah Champion was given the chance to find out more about how Rotherham Opportunities College is helping to equip its learners with the vital skills needed to live as independently as possible, as they prepare for life after college.

During her visit, Sarah spent time meeting student councillors, as well as finding out how Rotherham Opportunities College’s innovative curriculum is helping students to access hands-on work experience, enjoy newly found freedoms through its independent travel training programme, as well as helping its students to play an active role in the local community.

Sarah Champion MP said:

“Rotherham Opportunities College is a truly unique organisation that is doing vital work in helping to improve the life chances of some of Rotherham’s most vulnerable individuals. The skills each student learns during their time at college are helping them to enjoy greater freedom and independence in adulthood

I was fascinated to learn more about how the college provides tailored learning pathways for all its students. The passion and commitment from its staff to improve the life chances of its learners was very clear during my visit, and I was particularly impressed by the way the college is working closely with local businesses and community-led organisations to help its students benefit from taking part in volunteering projects, gaining work experience and helping every student to achieve their full potential.”

Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal, Rotherham Opportunities College, said:

“Demand for special education, particularly for post-16 students, is at an all-time high, and I’d like to thank Sarah for spending time with our students and finding out more about the transformative work Rotherham Opportunities Colleges is delivering.

Our aim at Rotherham Opportunities College is to equip our students with the vital skills needed to help them live as independently as possible as they prepare for life after college. During her visit, Sarah spoke to some of our students about her work in Parliament, and following this she spent time meeting members of staff where we discussed many of the current challenges facing SEND education, as well as exploring new ways in which the college and its students are making a positive contribution to the local community.”