A café run by young adults with additional learning needs at Crownbridge Special School in Croesyceiliog is welcoming the public during term time – and staff say the project is transforming pupils’ confidence, independence and future prospects.
Caffi’r Goron, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, is staffed by pupils and former pupils, with the support of staff, who gain real‑world work experience while serving salads, cakes, paninis, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
A weekly (Wednesdays) specials menu is also proving popular, with bolognese pasta bake served this week and lamb kofta with flatbread planned for 25 March.
Inclusive space
Jess Coombs, from the school, said the project has become a uniquely inclusive space.
“We are the most inclusive café you could possibly find in the area,” she said. “We have loads of opportunities for pupils and past pupils who work in the café. But not only that, we’re very much a community‑based café, so we have lots of adults with learning difficulties come to visit us. We’re a very patient, visual café – people can take their time.”
The café has grown significantly since receiving £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund allowing it to expand from one day a week to five. The grant was used to purchase equipment, including a coffee machine and a panini press.
Pupils are involved in every part of the operation, including ordering and unpacking stock from supplier Castell Howell. Jess said their account manager even invited the team to the Celtic Manor Food Show – a trip they’ve now made twice.
“It’s given pupils the motivation to do a bit more,” she said. “We’ve thought about our visuals to help the pupils that work in here because maybe certain visuals are a bit complicated and we’ve changed it to suit their needs.
“It’s been a big learning curve and I think we’re in a really good place now.”
Pupils help with the menu
Pupils also help shape the menu.
“One particular pupil, he had tried kebabs at home,” Jess said. “So he brought the recipe in and he was part of that process and could see his idea right through to making it and then the praise he had from everyone who came into the cafe and absolutely loved it.”
The café also boasts an outdoor seating area, with tables and parasols ready for spring.
Kira Lewis, intervention support officer and café lead, said the project teaches “independent living skills” that pupils will rely on long after leaving school.
“When they get the job in the café they have to do an application form, they have to come for interviews. It’s practising the life skills they may need out in the world when they finish school,” she said.
Work experience
“We also have children who might not be able to work in the cafe but they want a role so we have work experience children who come up and fill the cans, fill the crisps up and do some tidying.”
Kiara said the change in pupils’ confidence has been “unreal”, with one former pupil now working in a restaurant kitchen in the north‑east of England.
Pupils gain food hygiene qualifications. The cafe has a food hygiene rating of ‘five’ (the maximum).
Visitors access Caffi’r Goron through a signposted gate from the school car park. A security doorbell alerts staff, who come to welcome customers in.