Rotherham Opportunities College is delighted to have won the Innovative Approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Natspec award for our groundbreaking project at Ulley Country Park.
ROC was named the overall winner for a project that empowered more than 40 SEND students to take the lead in designing and creating accessible features for the local community.
Working in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Groundwork Yorkshire, and local artists, students created hedgehog houses, bird boxes, a giant bug hotel, a vibrant mural by artist Jamie Steward, a new sensory wall, and a beautifully hand‑carved, wheelchair‑friendly sensory bench with sculptor Heather Crompton. They also contributed to improved handrails and sensory elements, ensuring the park is welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Ulley Country Park is especially close to our hearts, as ROC operates the ROC café there from Tuesday to Thursday. It provides our students with valuable real‑world work experience, so helping to make the park more accessible and inclusive has been a project full of purpose and pride for everyone involved.
Category judge Jeff Greenidge said:
“This approach is innovative because it positions SEND students as co designers of accessibility solutions, rather than recipients of support. It integrates real-world design, environmental stewardship, and local community collaboration into SEND education. This has the potential for creating long-term cultural change in the community.”
This award shines a spotlight on the creativity, skill, and leadership of our students and celebrates their growing visibility in cultural and environmental projects across Rotherham.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved. This is a proud moment for ROC and a powerful example of inclusion in action.