Wings School Cumbria supports children and young people towards exciting and meaningful career opportunities...
John** came to Wings School Cumbria back in 2017, following a series of challenging and sadly failed education placements. He particularly struggled with a busy and noisy mainstream school environment and certain boundaries which led to behaviours which were difficult to manage.
Wings offers a caring and nurturing community setting which is better suited to meet his individual needs.
Through intensive support from the staff team at Wings he has managed to turn around his schooling and care experience and is now even has a fantastic job at the local McDonalds, in which he is thriving.
We had a chat to John to find out how he is getting on:
“My Key Workers at Wings have helped me with my independence, manage my emotions and with getting a better relationship with my family. I can now get the bus to my job independently, but I know that the Wings team are always on hand if I need a lift back after work if it’s too late for the bus!
My time at Wings has flown by and I have felt happy, safe and cared for. The staff team support me every day, I have a great relationship with the team and they are always there to chat through any worries or concerns I may have. The staff have helped me make friends here too which in turn has helped me make friends in the local community through my work.
I have had some amazing opportunities here such as going on holiday to Disneyland Paris and Spain. I am now saving the money I earn to go on holiday with my family.”
At work John has achieved all four of the available McDonald’s badge stars. The stars represent four different modules of training: Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Operational Excellence. As a crew member, John has worked and trained in various areas of the restaurant including the kitchen, sales counter, and till.
John is now taking on the new role of ‘Area Leader’ where he will directly support the shift managers.
He has also previously been chosen as 'Employee of the Month'. Employees are chosen based on their ability to demonstrate behaviours that deliver a great experience for customers and their fellow employees. Valued behaviours include looking for ways to make the experience special for every McDonald's customer; working with the team to deliver high standards; and having energy and enthusiasm.
John says that this job has given him a real boost to his confidence and new skills including time keeping, customer service and dealing with money.
He will be moving to a shared house in the community after this final year at Wings. He will be missed but we are all very proud of him.
Well Done John - 'We're lovin' it!'.
Residential SEMH School in Cumbria (kedlestongroup.com)