Northwood SEN school ‘sets up shop’ with mini-supermarket to support pupils with life skills
A specialist school in Knowsley has created a ‘mini-supermarket’, providing life-skills for children and young people with severe and complex learning needs.
Bluebell Park School in Northwood, Kirkby provides early years, primary, secondary and post-16 provision for more than 200 students with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), and has used Cradle to Career funding to set up a student-run supermarket on the school premises.
‘Bluebell Bargains’ was named by the students at Bluebell Park and replicates a real-world shopping experience, complete with a till, fully stocked shelves, freezer items and a coffee machine, and everything that is bought to sell in the shop is re-sold for the same price.
Students have shaped every aspect of the shop, from choosing the products on the shelves to suggesting ideas such as meal deals and loyalty cards. They have also created items to sell, including personalised water bottles, phone charms and lip balms.
Time is built into the school curriculum for students to make products and work in the shop, while cooking ingredients can also be bought from Bluebell Bargains and used in lessons.
Many students face barriers to visiting ‘real world’ shops independently due to additional needs. However, staff at Bluebell Park School have undertaken in-house training to identify learning opportunities such as maths, English and communication skills within the shop to prepare learners for real life settings.
Bluebell Bargains will also provide vital work experience to older students as they prepare for life beyond school, gaining skills in money management, enterprise, roleplay, teamwork and responsibility. One student has recently started work in a local food bank and is transferring skills that he’s learnt at Bluebell Bargains.
Kate Bouch, Post 16 Teacher at Bluebell Park, said:
“What makes the project so special is that pupils have been at the heart of it from the very beginning - shaping what the shop looks like and taking ownership of how it runs. Some of our most withdrawn students take on a new persona as soon as they put on the Bluebell Bargains apron. It shows just how valuable this opportunity has been.”
Dave Halpin, Assistant Head Teacher and Post 16 Department Lead at Bluebell Park, added:
“Bluebell Bargains gives our students the skills they would get from going to a supermarket, but in a safe and familiar environment where they can build those skills first. We have lots of students who aren’t confident and don’t always want to speak to new people, but in the shop they never know who might come in next, so they’re learning to communicate, expect the unexpected and work with different people. It also provides an opportunity for parents to bring their child into a safe shop environment, where if something happens it really isn’t a problem.”
Students described the shop as improving their maths, making them braver to speak to people and helping them make new friends. They enjoy working as a team, handling the money, using the till and they’re excited to show other students (or customers) around the shop. It’s also made them want to work in a shop when they leave school because of the experience they’ve had at Bluebell Bargains. Overall they said that Bluebell Bargains makes people happy.
Kathryn Bracken, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Headteacher at Bluebell Park, said:
“Bluebell Bargains is already creating real excitement across the school. For many of our pupils, opportunities to practise everyday life skills in the community are limited and can be challenging for them and their parents. This project will help make those experiences feel safer and more accessible.
“It is helping us to better understand our students’ strengths, aspirations and support needs, while giving them opportunities to see what they are capable of achieving.”
Bluebell Bargains has been made possible through funding from the Cradle to Career programme in Northwood, which brings together schools, local authority services, community organisations and families to work together to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Each school accessing Cradle to Career receives annual funding for school-based projects, which is distributed by place-based change charity, Right to Succeed.
Kate Culvin, Northwood Education Programme Manager at Right to Succeed, said:
“Bluebell Bargains is a brilliant example of what change can look like when it is led by the needs, interests and strengths of children and young people.
“We are proud to support Bluebell Park with funding for a project that has been shaped by pupils and staff and which has the potential to make a lasting difference.”
Cradle to Career programmes in the Liverpool City Region are funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, Wirral Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, UBS Optimus Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund and SHINE Trust.
For more information on Cradle to Career, visit:
