Queensmill School Students Set Up Stall in Hammersmith

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Autistic young adults share their bakery skills with local shoppers

A new market stall in Hammersmith's Lyric Square is helping autistic young adults from Queensmills School in White City to learn vital life skills.

Last September, Queensmill School began new classes for students aged 19 and over. They help autistic young adults prepare for the future, enabling them to learn skills such as managing finances, working in a team and interacting with the public.

Guided by the school’s award-winning chef Lucio Pollie, the students bake delicious cakes and then sell them at the market every Thursday.

"We wanted to give our young adults the opportunity to be out in the local community, to interact with people and to get a sense of how they can contribute to our local area," said headteacher Freddie Adu.

"It’s an important opportunity to show the community the good things we’re doing at the school and a great way of shaping our weekly curriculum, allowing them to use their skills in a real-life context."

The stall began trading for the first time yesterday and the students are relishing the chance to sell their creations and meet the public.

"I enjoy it," said 19-year-old William Hall. "I’m learning about money and how to sell. I’m happy doing it and I’d like to work at a stall when I’m older."

The stall will be in the square every Thursday until mid-July, before returning in September.

The school teaches autistic children and adults from the age of two and up and is based in Askham Road, White City. Find out more about its work here.

May 15, 2017