Students run their own cafe to prepare for work
BBCStudents at a special educational needs school are running their own community cafe to help prepare for life beyond college.
Cafe 16 at Priory Woods School in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, allows sixth-formers to develop skills that can lead to future work.
The students, who make everything on site, are supported by specialist staff and the cafe is open to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Bradley, 18, has worked there for two years and said: "This is my favourite thing in the whole world."
Kendra Hatcher, post-16 lead at the school, said it was a safe environment for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
"It gets them ready for work and gives them as much chance to be as independent as possible," she said.
"They flourish. It helps with their social skills, money management and we've had some excellent feedback from returning customers too."
Sixth-former Bradley said he felt lucky and happy to be part of the cafe.
"I love working with my friends and helping people," he added.
Fellow student Anna, 17, said she was able to use her art skills for doing the menu boards and her maths skills at the till.
"I like to find jobs along the way, wiping the tables and carrying the trays for people," she said.
Cafe 16 also offers a two course community lunch every fortnight, giving the students the opportunity to learn the skills of preparing and cooking food, setting the tables, waiting on customers and hospitality skills.