This workplace visit was arranged through the Lancashire Careers Hub, which plays a key role in connecting schools with employers across the region. As part of their mission to bridge the gap between education and the world of work, the Hub helped facilitate a meaningful experience for a group of Year 7 and 8 students from Eden School, a specialist setting for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The visit was hosted by Herbert Parkinson, one of the Hub’s cornerstone employers, who welcomed the students into their Darwen-based textile manufacturing facility. The aim was to give the students a real insight into the workplace—through hands-on activities, sensory engagement, and the chance to interact with professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment. It was more than just a visit—it was a day of discovery, confidence-building, and inspiration.
Shared Goals for the Visit – and How They Were Achieved
This visit was the result of a collaborative effort between Eden School’s Career Leader and Herbert Parkinson, supported by the Lancashire Careers Hub. Together, they set out to create a meaningful and inclusive experience that would benefit both the students and the employer. The visit successfully met the following shared goals:
✅ Provide real-world work experience in a safe, supportive environment Students were given the opportunity to engage in genuine production tasks—turning, filling, and packing cushions—within a carefully managed and welcoming setting. Staff at Herbert Parkinson ensured that every student felt safe, supported, and capable.
✅ Develop practical and social skills Through hands-on activities and group work, students practiced following instructions, communicating with adults, and working as part of a team—skills that are essential for future employment and independence.
✅ Build confidence and a sense of achievement Each student completed a cushion from start to finish and was able to take it home. This gave them a tangible sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.
✅ Raise aspirations and broaden horizons By experiencing a real workplace and interacting with professionals, students were able to see new possibilities for their futures and begin to imagine themselves in different roles and environments.
Why Visits Like This Matter
For many young people with special educational needs and disabilities, the idea of the workplace can feel distant or abstract. They may not always have the same opportunities to explore different environments or imagine themselves in a job role. That’s why experiences like this are so valuable.
This visit helped the students from Eden School to:
• Build confidence by taking part in real, hands-on tasks
• Engage their senses and curiosity through tactile and visual learning
• Feel included, capable, and valued in a professional setting • Begin to picture their future and the possibilities that lie ahead
Quote from Stuart Taylor, CEO of Herbert Parkinson: “I think it’s been good for them to see a factory working properly and actually be able to do some things. It’s not just about seeing it; it’s also getting involved in doing it. I think it just makes them realise that there’s lots of different jobs that they can do and that they’ll probably enjoy doing in the future.”
What the Day Looked Like
The team at Herbert Parkinson had planned the day to be engaging and accessible. After a warm welcome and safety briefing, students were taken on a guided tour of the factory. In the “Ends of Rolls” area, they explored a variety of fabrics—feeling the textures, noticing the colours, and selecting materials for their own cushion-making activity.
In small groups, they rotated through two production activities:
• Turning Cushions – carefully flipping fabric inside out and preparing it for filling, learning how attention to detail and patience are key parts of the process.
• Feather Filling – using a specialist machine that released feathers from a silo and blasted them into cushion covers. This hands-on task gave students a chance to operate real equipment in a safe, supervised setting, and they were fascinated by the way the feathers moved through the system.
A Cushion to Keep, A Memory to Hold
At the end of the day, each student was given the cushion they’d helped make. For some, it was the first time they’d created something from start to finish. They were beaming with pride—and rightly so.
Reflections and a Message to Other Employers
This visit wasn’t just valuable for our students—it was a learning experience for all of us. It showed how much potential there is when businesses take the time to be inclusive and thoughtful.
For students: It was a boost in confidence, communication, and self-belief.
Quote from a Student: “I would really like to work here, there are lots of different jobs I would like to do.”
Quote from Emma Frith, Careers Lead at Eden: “This visit has provided a valuable insight into the students understanding of the world of work and will undoubtably be used in their ability to make future plans in years to come.”
Quote from Stuart Taylor, CEO of Herbert Parkinson: “We’d like to see everyone with a job and I think the more places you can go and have a look at the more chance we’ve got to find these young people the right kind of job for them. I think particularly in our sort of environment, there are a lot of good jobs that they can do and we have a lot of people already with some disabilities and they’re happily employed.”
Herbert Parkinson didn’t just tick a box—they created a meaningful, memorable experience. And we hope more employers will be inspired to do the same.
Quote from Michelle Billington, Enterprise Coordinator, Lancashire Careers Hub: “Young people with SEND have so much potential—they just need the right opportunities to show it. With the right support and exposure to appropriate career pathways, they can become confident, productive, and valuable members of the workforce. Experiences like this are essential in helping them see what’s possible and in helping employers see what’s possible too.”
The collaboration between Herbert Parkinson and Eden School illustrates the practical impact of inclusive employer engagement. It highlights how businesses can play a meaningful role in supporting young people with SEND by providing access to real workplace experiences that contribute to long-term employability and workforce diversity.
A Call to Action – If you’re a business wondering how you can make a difference—start here. Open your doors. Invite a school in. Let young people see what’s possible. You might just change someone’s future—and you’ll definitely enrich your own.