WEST Kirby School and College’s bakery has scooped an award for innovation.

The bakery, which opened in April 2023, was awarded the NASS Innovation Award (National Association of Special Schools) which recognises “new, adaptive, or innovative practice that can further improve the lives of young people”.

The bakery is run by food technology teacher Miss Meegan and school chef Jonathan, who say it has gone from “strength-to-strength”. 

Miss Meegan said: “The School Bakery team is delighted to receive the Innovation Award.

“The pupils have worked so hard on their barista and bread making and they are working together as a team producing high quality products with great customer service. It’s amazing to see their hard work has paid off.”

A springboard for pupils, The School Bakery as a Life-Skills Enterprise, has been vital in providing a safe-space for practical development, and the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications.

Working with Miss Meegan, local baristas and businesses, the post-16 students who run The School Bakery have been able to gain the expertise to serve the public, as well as gaining transferable skills which they can use both inside school and beyond.

The School Bakery has become an ingrained part of local life, becoming a community hub for church members and friends of the charity, as well as former students, who often come back to visit the school in a more informal setting. 

 The bakery is open on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 10:30am - 12:30pm, during term-time, and serves fresh coffee, bread and sweet treats to sit or take out.