At the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), part of Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), inclusivity is at the heart of learning. The academy is committed to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds and with varying educational needs have access to creative opportunities, practical skills development and supportive learning environments.
As part of its ongoing commitment to widening participation and developing inclusive teaching practices, FTA tutors recently delivered a specialist creative workshop at The Bridge SEN School, providing an engaging and accessible learning experience for young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
On Friday 5th June, FTA tutors were invited to work with eight learners at The Bridge SEN School, where participants took part in a textile-based creative workshop focused on designing and decorating mini tote bags. Using colouring pens, decorative gems, fabric pieces and textile embellishments, learners were encouraged to express their creativity, make independent design choices and develop confidence through hands-on learning.
At the Fashion Technology Academy, tutors regularly adapt their teaching methods to support learners with differing abilities, learning styles and educational needs. Activities are carefully structured to encourage participation, build confidence and provide opportunities for individual achievement.
The workshop at The Bridge SEN School enabled tutors to gain valuable insight into supporting learners with a range of needs, whilst working closely alongside experienced SEN professionals. Through observation, collaboration and practical engagement, the FTA team developed a greater understanding of how creative learning can be tailored to meet individual requirements.
The session also provided opportunities for learners to develop key transferable skills including decision-making, communication, problem-solving, fine motor skills and creative expression.
The Bridge SEN School is an independent educational institution dedicated to supporting young adults aged 14 to 25 with special educational needs. The school provides academic programmes and specialist support for learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities and behavioural challenges, helping them prepare for adulthood and develop greater independence.
Throughout the workshop, learners demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to engage with the activities. Staff reported high levels of participation and positive outcomes for all attendees.
Feedback from staff at The Bridge SEN School highlighted the impact of the session:
“The teacher was great and supportive, with a calm demeanour and open, welcoming friendliness.”
“The learner learnt how to design and prepare work for cutting and arranging and developed cognitive reasoning skills for choosing colours and shapes and arranging them properly.”
“David was very happy to participate in the activity and was highly engaged. He participated in the activity and communicated very well with the organiser of the activity, and adored it very much throughout the session.”
“George enjoyed the session and participated actively throughout. Sessions like this would be appreciated to be held over and over again, if possible.”
“The whole session was really good. All learners showed good engagement.”
“Gabriella enjoyed the session, and she made a very beautiful bag for mum. The teacher was very helpful and gave Gabriella ideas on how to decorate her bag.”
“The teachers are super cool and fun to work with. Their assistance was helpful. They gave the learners the opportunity to do their own work.”
“The encouragement the learners got from the staff was very good and helped them to do a very good job.”
“Great innovation would love it if this visit could be frequent for the learners.”
The outreach activity forms part of the Fashion Technology Academy’s wider commitment to inclusive education and continuous professional development. By working directly with specialist providers and learners with diverse needs, tutors are able to broaden their teaching approaches and further develop strategies that support accessibility, engagement and learner success.
Experiences such as these help ensure that FTA teaching staff continue to build confidence in adapting learning activities, providing differentiated support and creating positive learning experiences for all learners, regardless of their starting point or individual circumstances.
(Lan centre with tutors)
Lan Leeder said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the session and had the chance to work with learners with SEN. We learned a lot from the staff and had the chance to engage with learners with diverse needs and abilities. Thank you to the Bridge SEN School for making us feel welcome and for facilitating this event. It was an excellent opportunity for the teachers to gain experience working with learners with SEN and to provide strategies and guidance for supporting learners with diverse abilities.”
The success of the workshop has reinforced the value of collaborative outreach programmes between specialist education providers and industry-led training organisations. The Fashion Technology Academy remains committed to creating inclusive learning opportunities and exploring future partnerships that support learners of all abilities to develop confidence, creativity and employability skills.
By working closely with organisations such as The Bridge SEN School, the FTA continues to strengthen its commitment to widening participation, championing diversity and ensuring that education within the fashion and textile sector is accessible to everyone.