Students with SEND help grow a greener world

Learners from Barking & Dagenham College’s Horizons Specialist Provision and Horizons programmes have been playing an active role in helping the borough grow a greener future, while also developing essential life skills, workplace behaviours, and confidence through hands-on community engagement.

As part of a collaborative initiative, students joined the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham’s environmental team at The Chase Nature Reserve in Dagenham to take part in a tree-planting project. The activity directly supports the Council’s long-term environmental strategy, which aims to double tree canopy coverage across the borough by 2040. Increasing tree coverage will help improve air quality, boost biodiversity, reduce the effects of climate change, and enhance green spaces for local residents to enjoy.

During the project, learners worked alongside council staff and environmental specialists, gaining valuable insight into outdoor and environmental work while contributing to a project with lasting impact. Students were involved in practical tasks such as preparing the ground, planting young trees, and learning how green spaces are maintained for long-term sustainability. The experience allowed learners to practise teamwork, follow instructions, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for their work in a real-world setting.

Barking & Dagenham College’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision supports students aged 16–24 who hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Horizons programmes are designed to meet individual needs and aspirations, focusing on four key pathways: Independence, Pathways to Mainstream, Employment, and Community. Each course runs four days a week and delivers a broad, structured curriculum that prepares learners for adult life, further education, and employment.

Learners study a wide range of subjects, including English and maths, work experience, enterprise activities, cooking, bricklaying, IT, retail and horticulture, art, and sports. Community-based projects, such as the tree-planting initiative, are a vital part of the curriculum, enabling students to apply their skills beyond the classroom and build confidence in unfamiliar environments.

Christina Hebron, Project Manager for Supported Internships and Outdoor Work Experience at Barking & Dagenham College, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to be part of something meaningful in their local area. Projects like this help learners develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also building confidence and showing them that their contributions really matter.”

Krishana Kaur, Head of Department – Horizons, added: “Seeing our learners out in the community, contributing to a project that benefits both people and the environment, highlights the positive impact these programmes have. Experiences like this help foster independence, employability skills, and a strong sense of belonging.”

Barking & Dagenham College remains committed to supporting community-linked projects that combine sustainability, skills development, and real-world work experience, ensuring learners are equipped with the confidence and capabilities needed for their next steps beyond college.