Welcome to another blog.

This week I have asked our Future Finders to tell us how they have been getting on during lockdown, so I will hand you over to our job coach Anne-Marie..

Since I last wrote to you, we have continued to complete our phone calls to check in on you all and then we figured, why not come for a socially distanced visit…..so that’s we did!!

Both myself and Maria have been out and about trying to see as many of you as we can. Normally we would get photos to be put on our blog but many of you were still in your PJs, so we didn’t get as many of you as we would have liked but we still loved hearing all your stories and what you have been up to throughout the lockdown

Maria had the pleasure of going to see Fahad and Reece, so I will let Maria tell you all about those visits..

Just a catch up on what our students have been up to over lock down. It’s been a difficult time for us all but calling and visiting our students weekly has been a joy, they have been trying to keep upbeat and busy. Here are a few words from Fahad..

During my time in quarantine I have been spending my time watching Netflix and YouTube and I have completed some of my college work as well. I have also been helping my Mum with cooking and making tasty desserts. When it has been safe to do so, I have been out for some walks to stay active but I do miss my college days and seeing my friends and tutors. I look forward to getting back into a routine and carrying on with my education.

When I visited this week I received a lovely goodie bag from the family with cakes, chocolate and a scented candle and I was very touched. I enjoy the calls and visits but this was a lovely thought at such a tough time. Thank you so much.

I have also been calling and visiting Reece and family and again, they are all pulling together and trying to stay cheerful. Reece has been keeping busy working on web development and on his own personal projects, which is something he really enjoys. The family are well and have been keeping safe and ensuring they get their weekly food shop from the supermarket.

Stay safe everyone, Maria

Matthew had a quick visit from Mr Holland, who reported back that all was well with Matthew and that he has been keeping himself busy with the work we have been sending home! Well done Matthew!

So now it was my turn to complete my visits. I set off in my car and my first stop was to see Joshua. It was wonderful to see him, in his Mr Perfect t-shirt, although he is a little poorly at the minute with an ear infection but that hasn’t stopped him from going to the local pub for a Diet Coke with his Dad and he was off to Mecca Bingo with his Mum! Fingers crossed you won the jackpot!

I then went and caught up with Lewis. He hasn’t ventured out much even since lockdown began but this week has been in to Manchester with his Mum. He said it was well set out but it was very quiet, but good to get out. He was planning on going doing a little more shopping to spend his birthday money!

Next I called to see Jason who, since the last time I saw him a few weeks ago, has also had a lockdown hair cut!

He is looking forward to trying to get out to some of his clubs again when they begin to re-open in a few weeks and he is looking forward to seeing all his friends.

Liam, again, hasn’t been out much during lockdown but is starting to venture out and get used to how the world works.

It has been fantastic to see you all! Stay safe and hope to see you all again soon!

I must say that I am ever so proud of all our students and how well they have coped during this difficult time.

I am also very thankful to the fantastic staff team who have worked so hard, week in and week out, to ensure that students have work sent to them. They have been in contact with you all and I know the staff team have enjoyed making those socially distanced visits.

On our news you will have all received through ParentPay a letter to let you all know that we will be moving sites. We aren’t moving far but Pennine House will be the new home for the New Bridge College, the home for our Key Stage 5 Pathways, Bridging the Gap and Future Finders. The team are all working hard to ensure that the building is ready and gives our students the space and opportunities to continue to excel in their chosen pathway. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the staff team if you have any questions about this.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, take care.

Jaina and the Team

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

You can view our previous blog entries here!