A Landmark day for both Costa Coffee and Five Acre Wood Student Harry

We could not have asked for a better piece of news to start the new academic year.

At the beginning of September, we received a wonderful email from Paul, Costa Area Manager for West Kent, sharing some fantastic feedback about one of our pupils, Harry.

Harry recently took part in a new supported two-week work experience programme at Costa Coffee. The placement was designed collaboratively by Costa to give him the best possible experience of working in a busy community setting.

And it has been a huge success. So much so that, following his placement, Costa offered Harry a job!

This is a fantastic achievement for Harry and a brilliant example of what can happen when a school, family, and local employer work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Harry’s journey towards employment had already begun closer to home, where he gained valuable work experience on our very own FAWrient Express. These opportunities helped him to develop his confidence, independence, and workplace skills, providing an important foundation for his next step into the wider community.

The Costa team then worked closely with Harry, his family and school staff to develop a two-week programme specifically designed around his needs and strengths. This included one-to-one support, a brand-new induction book tailored to help him get the most from his placement, regular communication and feedback, and sign language training for the Costa team.

It meant that Harry was not simply being given a work placement – the placement was being shaped around him, giving him the right support to succeed.

And succeed he did.

After his first day, Harry apparently asked, “Is it home time already?” – perhaps the ultimate sign that he was enjoying himself! He is also now keen to get a DT headset! His Costa colleagues have described him as helpful, polite, and eager to learn, and he has quickly become a much-loved member of the team.

Harry is one of a number of Five Acre Wood pupils who have been given opportunities to gain valuable experience through supported work placements, both within the school and out in the wider community. These experiences give our young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and independence, and explore what they can achieve in the world beyond school.

Costa has already worked closely with Five Acre Wood on a number of projects, and this latest initiative demonstrates the incredible impact that can come from genuine community collaboration.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Harry’s placement possible – particularly the Costa team for their openness, commitment, and willingness to develop a programme that worked for Harry, as well as Harry’s family and the Five Acre Wood staff involved.

Most importantly, a huge well done to Harry. His hard work, determination and confidence have made this opportunity possible, and we are incredibly proud of him.

We cannot wait to hear more about Harry’s experiences as he continues his journey with Costa – and we hope this is the beginning of many more opportunities for our young people to gain meaningful work experience in the community.

And Harry… we hope you get that DT headset soon!