During the session, our learners met with students currently on their PGCE journey, who are preparing to enter the teaching profession. The aim was simple but impactful, to give our learners the platform to share their own experiences of education, offering honest insight into what it is like to be in school with a learning difference.

Learners spoke openly about what has supported them, what challenges they have faced, and how educators can better understand and support young people with SEND. These conversations were thoughtful, insightful and incredibly valuable for those entering the profession, providing real-life perspectives that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.

At Creating Tomorrow Trust, we are passionate about supporting others to develop a deeper understanding of SEND and ensuring that future educators and employers feel confident, informed and prepared. This experience was a fantastic example of how collaboration between education providers can create meaningful change.

The benefits for our learners were just as significant. The session provided an opportunity to develop speaking and listening skills, build confidence, and engage with new people in a different environment. Most importantly, learners felt heard, knowing that their experiences and voices were valued and could help shape the way others approach education in the future.

While on campus, learners also had the chance to explore other areas of the university and meet a range of staff and students. It was a great opportunity to experience a new environment and begin to build connections that we hope will continue to grow, opening up even more opportunities for our learners in the future.

This was a true example of partnership in action, and it was fantastic to see learners from across our trust coming together to support one another and contribute to something bigger than themselves. Thank you to Isebrook and Creating Tomorrow College Lutterworth campus for taking the time to be part of this.

Big Thank you to Dawn and Grace from the University of Northampton, who worked with our community and employer engagement business partner Stacey, to make this happen. 

We look forward to continuing to develop this relationship with the University of Northampton and creating more opportunities like this, where our learners not only take part, but lead the conversation.