Finding proper work experience when you’re close to leaving education is vital for any student – it’s particularly difficult for young people with special educational needs and/or. A project involving pupils from special schools across the county is aiming to fill that gap.
A unique business venture in Somerset called Sen.se (Special Educational Needs Somerset Expertise) is a partnership between special schools and specialist provision within Somerset. Led by the county’s special educational needs team, Sen.se is supported by the charity Young Somerset and Somerset County Council. 
Specialist commercial outlets called Sense-ational appeared in Taunton’s High Street last year, Yeovil’s Quadem Centre in April and Frome in June. The latest outlet is due to be opened in Angel Place, Bridgwater, on Thursday, 14th November at 12.30pm by Andrew Hanson, Somerset Education Business Partnership Manager.
The shops are run by young people and the stock is created by pupils from special schools across the county.
Products ranged from gifts, ornaments, jams and upcycled furniture, to beautiful limited-edition paintings, cards, sweets and plants, silk scarves, lavender products, candles, bird feeders printed aprons, bags and mugs. Come and buy Christmas gifts
The pop-up shops demonstrate the power of collaboration, enabling partners to provide more opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience and skills for life.
CRESCO GLOBE LTD helped the team find the premises in Angel Place and The Hub at Bridgwater provided the space for the shop.
The project so far has been a major success and was chosen as a finalist in the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019.
It was nominated for the Careers Inspiration in Education Award.
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