Painting and Decorating students from West Suffolk College’s Built Environment campus gave back to the local community this spring through a classroom makeover in partnership with Lovell Partnerships and local education provider Innov8.
As part of an educational partnership with Lovell Partnerships, Painting and Decorating students from Built Environment– part of Eastern Education Group – were given the fantastic opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience. Working with Innov8, an alternative provisions provider that supports children and young people who may face barriers to learning in mainstream education, the students redecorated classrooms within the primary-age area in just two days.
Not only did the students help to create a brighter and more welcoming learning environment for the young children who attend the centre, they also gained valuable work experience, allowing them to apply practical skills in a live environment, develop confidence, teamwork, and professionalism.
Daniela Symons, CEO, Head of Provision for Innov8, said: “Embedding meaningful, real-world work experience within our provision is an important part of our approach. The practical skills and motivation the students have learnt underpin long-term employability. The space, now decorated in sensory-aware neutral tones, now provides a calmer, more inclusive space for children with neurodiversity and sensory needs. This project is a good example of the impact their work can achieve.”
Sasha Bainbrige, Regional Partnerships Director for Lovell Partnerships said: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Eastern Education Group and the opportunities it creates for students to gain valuable real-world experience. Projects like this allow learners to apply the skills they have developed in the classroom within a live environment, helping them build confidence, develop professionalism, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.”
Averil Young, Teaching Advanced Practitioner from Eastern Education Group, said: “We always love getting the opportunity to work closely with our community; our work with the alternative provision provider gave our students the opportunity to work on a live community project, developing practical skills while helping to create a brighter and more welcoming learning environment for local children. Thank you Lovell Partnerships and Innov8 for this amazing experience!”
