Rochdale pupils with additional needs thrive with Duke of Edinburgh Award

Pupils at Redwood School in Rochdale are breaking down barriers and gaining life-long skills through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

Since 2019, this SEN school has embraced the DofE’s inclusive approach, enabling all students to participate.

Redwood pupils are actively involved in volunteering projects, from cleaning local sports clubs and assisting at care homes to supporting primary schools and engaging in sensory activities at their own school.

They also collaborate with Rochdale Borough Council to clear overgrown footpaths and remove rubbish from public spaces.

For the expedition section, Redwood caters to its pupils with unique and accessible activities like hoist-assisted climbing and kayaking. For many, this is their first experience of spending a night away from home, made easier through the support of their school.

Redwood School’s DofE manager, Oliver Ashworth-Grimes, says that the students’ volunteering efforts have provided life-changing opportunities and opened doors for them in the long-term.

Oliver said: “The DofE provides invaluable opportunities for our students to develop a huge range of skills which wouldn’t normally be available.

“We definitely see the volunteering section as the most powerful aspect of our students’ DofE experience - it helps them to understand social conventions and develop their communication skills, building their skills for employment. Most importantly, the pride they feel from making a difference in the community is just as valuable.”

Paige Alp, 18, who has autism, is currently completing her Silver DofE Award with Redwood School and has been working at a local care home for her volunteering section.

Paige said: “I like meeting the residents and working with the staff. I help out with making brews and giving some of the residents their breakfast.

“I think I do a good job because they like me being there and make me feel very welcome. When I am older, I would like to work at a nursery.

“My volunteering lets me practise helping people and communicating with other adults, as sometimes I get nervous around people I don’t know.”

Libby Wilson, 17, who has ADHD and autism, is also working towards her Silver DofE at Redwood School, and volunteers at Belfield Primary School.

Libby said: “My volunteering has made me feel proud of myself as I help children read, count and spell. I have autism and ADHD, and I used to think I wouldn’t get far in life, but I’ve found out I’m good at a lot of things.”

The DofE has become a key part of Redwood School life, with dedicated DofE lessons each week to help the students keep on top of their activities.

Redwood – which initially began running the DofE Award with support from Rochdale Borough Council – now runs the DofE independently.

With the DofE growing in the school every year, Oliver hopes to one day offer the Gold Award to young people, and to continue to promote accessible opportunities to ensure that nobody with additional needs is prevented from accessing the DofE.

Pam Sleigh, operations manager for the North of England at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is committed to breaking down barriers to participation and reaching more young people than ever before, particularly those who need specialist support to do their DofE.

“Access to enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom are crucial for young people’s life-long development.

“Thanks to the dedication of DofE managers like Oliver, more young people than ever before can access the DofE, giving them a sense of pride as they build skills and resilience that will set them up for a successful future.”

More young people than ever started their DofE in 2023/24 – with half a million actively participating and more schools, community organisations and prisons running the DofE.