The Castle School’s World of Work celebration
Tabled 2 September 2025 by Mr Lee Dillon
That this House congratulates The Castle School in Newbury on the success of its annual World of Work (WOW) celebration, which brings together local employers and the wider community to support young people with additional needs; commends the school for its outstanding commitment to providing specialist education to children with complex additional needs and for its innovative WOW programme, which equips students with valuable work experience, skills, and confidence to navigate life beyond the classroom; recognises the care and dedication of all staff and partners involved in making the programme such a success; thanks the many local businesses and organisations who participated in this year's celebration, including Promotrade, The Wasing Estate, Greenham Control Tower, The Furniture Project, The Podium Café, Falkland Vets, St Joseph's Primary School, The Ugly Duckling, Welford Park, Newbury Racecourse, Donnington Valley, Sainsbury's, Little Quavers Music, Hobbycraft, and Swings and Smiles; further congratulates the award-winning organisations for going above and beyond in their support of the programme, including The National Trust (Sandham Memorial Chapel), West Berks Food Bank, The Wasing Estate, Bellrock at West Berkshire Community Hospital, and Dingley's Promise; and gives particular recognition to Chris Cable of Waitrose, whose continued support has helped a former student secure and sustain employment over more than a decade, exemplifying the transformative impact of this vital initiative.