The meeting in Walsall, United Kingdom was very insightful. Most partner countries participated in the meeting. The main purpose of the visit was for partners to explore the educational provision which Walsall College offers, with a particular focus on provision for students with physical and learning disabilities. Partners were welcomed on the first day of the visit by Rachel Davies (Head of Foundation Learning) and Paul Bagnall (Curriculum Manager for Supported Learning) who gave an overview of the organisation, information on how Walsall College compares to other Further Education Colleges in the UK, detailed information on the provision offered to students at Walsall College with particular given about Walsall College’s SLDD (Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities) Department and the programmes of learning available for people with Physical Learning Disabilities and/or Difficulties. During the first day, partners were also given a tour of Walsall College to see the facilities and learning tools available to all students. Partners were also served lunch, which was produced and served by students with learning difficulties. Following the day’s activities, partners were able to explore Birmingham city centre as part of a cultural visit.

 

On the second day of the visit partners were able to visit lessons at Walsall College to explore the quality of provision and Teaching and Learning in SLDD. Lessons included Motor Vehicle, Care, Performing Arts, School Link provision and our SLDD Creative Arts exhibition. Partners were also able to explore Green Fingers, a learning company for students with physical and learning disabilities; and were introduced to Walsall College’s Deaf Academy to explore the provision available to students who have Hearing Impairments.

 

Following the end of the meeting, partners were invited to attend SLDD’s End of Year Talent Show, which is a talent show which gives students with disabilities the opportunity to practice performance skills they may have learned throughout the year, to demonstrate confidence they have gained within their programme of study by performing in front of an audience and to have a fun filled afternoon to celebrate all achievements over the academic year.