Employ My Ability

Employ My Ability A SEND provision for 16-25s focusing on training, accreditation & qualifications to enable pathways into employment within the local community.

Employ My Ability, based at The Walled Garden, Moreton, is a unique place for our students, staff and customers. We provide many different vocational training opportunities within our commercial settings. Alongside the acquisition of work-skills, training and real life work-experience we enable our students to leave with worthwhile qualifications and a pathway into employment within their local community. Our students engage with personal timetables and work alongside our tutor-trained industry professionals to develop understanding of the skills required for the workplace. Students follow the Employ My Ability Curriculum and access the wide variety of extra-curricular activities that this offers. With visitors, tourists and regular customers being drawn to our site throughout the year, we set high expectations, standards of service and consequential learning is experienced throughout. Students regularly interact with customers and develop essential social and communication skills. Our students complete tasks that are relevant, worthwhile and have real outcomes for the development of their own learning.

🎄The EMA campuses are now closed for the Christmas Break, reopening on Tuesday 6th January 2026.📧If you need to contact ...
22/12/2025

🎄The EMA campuses are now closed for the Christmas Break, reopening on Tuesday 6th January 2026.

📧If you need to contact us during this time, please email office@employmyability.org.uk - emails will be monitored sporadically and we will respond as soon as possible. 🎄

🎄We are officially wrapped up for 2025, and as we sign off until the 6th January, we’re sharing the celebrations from bo...
22/12/2025

🎄We are officially wrapped up for 2025, and as we sign off until the 6th January, we’re sharing the celebrations from both campuses during enrichment week as students and staff worked together to host Christmas lunches, a fundraising fayre, perform Christmas carols at Moreton church, and everyone set their sights on goals for next year as we all head off for a well-deserved break.

Visit our website for the rundown, with words from staff and students!

🔗https://employmyability.org.uk/ema-christmas-round-up-2025/

🗣“Every year, these festive lunches are my favourite days in the academic calendar, and they demonstrate to everyone at EMA – and hopefully those looking in – just how well students and staff can work together as a team. They provide an opportunity to enjoy great food and time together as we sign off for the year. Students are pivotal in ensuring everyone is fed, and I’ve seen many proud faces over the past week, with several individuals really stepping up to the task.

The work this term has been outstanding. With campus updates, goals being achieved, new supported internships, and the welcoming of new students and staff, it’s been one of the busiest and most exciting periods for EMA yet. I know everyone is looking forward to a break, and when we return in January, I’m confident the exciting times will continue. Thank you, everyone!” – James Dunham, Head of Education

🌱The Seed2Plate project is participated in by our students here on campus, and at locations around Dorset. It gives them...
16/12/2025

🌱The Seed2Plate project is participated in by our students here on campus, and at locations around Dorset. It gives them the opportunity to gain skills through practical experience and horticulture qualifications, while transforming spaces into vibrant vegetable and flower gardens

🌿Part of Seed2Plate has students planning and delivering enterprise projects, like the latest one from Dylan and George, which saw them growing and selling herb bunches to staff, and the public.

📝They had to consider everything from what would be suitable to grow in their space, fair pricing, and spend time on a marketing plan - designing a logo and slogan: "Grown with Futures in Mind". They also needed to confidently identify the herbs and advise customers on how they could be used, which they did!

✅The first batch of sales was responded to amazingly, with 16 orders coming their way from staff. Then this week, they set-up a table for the EMA Provider Access Event, and sold the rest of their bunches to the public and exhibitors. With all funds going back into the Seed2Plate project.

🗣"Dylan and George have put a lot of time and effort into their winter herb bunches, harvesting bay and rosemary and then choosing different smaller herbs to add. I think it was a great idea from them to decide to make two different size bunches. They are both looking forward to their next sales and are already planning what to grow for next year.” - Lydia, Enterprise Coordinator

🗣 "It's given me so much more confidence in planting, and how to speak to people. The project is so important, because Lydia has been brilliant in helping us with our skills and confidence, and I'm hoping we can keep selling more in the future to put money back into this amazing project which I love. I'm feeling very joyful we sold all the herbs." - Dylan

🗣"I'm relieved we managed to sell all the bunches, and right before Christmas it felt very special. I'm very happy with how we did. I enjoyed clearing the space and doing the weeding so we had a good place to grow our herbs!" - George

A huge well done to both of Dylan and George, and we look forward to seeing how it goes for the rest of their time with Seed2Plate. 👏

If you'd like to find out more about our study programmes, and how projects like Seed2Plate support the development of our young people, please reach out today for a prospectus, or initial conversation. 😃

Dorset Community Action

🌳 Our Provider Access Event 2025 is underway! We’re joined by a wonderful range of service providers from around Dorset ...
15/12/2025

🌳 Our Provider Access Event 2025 is underway! We’re joined by a wonderful range of service providers from around Dorset and beyond, and we’ve already met lots of people to talk all things EMA!

EMA students and former students are also on hand throughout the day to meet visitors and share their experiences, along with some of our exotic animals from the Moreton campus!

🗣 “Days like today are a massive opportunity for me to keep building my confidence, and I love getting to speak to everyone about the animals - it’s such an interesting subject to cover.” - Kody, EMA student

🗣 “EMA was brilliant in helping me find my love for gardening while I was at college, and now I get to work with the garden team at The Walled Garden and develop my career even further. Talking to people about that today, I was a bit nervous, but it’s going great.” - Sonny, former student

🗣 “EMA helped give me confidence, build my social skills, and find my next steps. I had such a great time while I was at college.” - Keenan, former student

If you’re planning ahead for the future and aren’t able to stop by today, tours and taster sessions for either campus in Moreton or Gillingham are available all year round. Why wait? Get in touch and find your future with us! 😃

🎄Stop by for our Gillingham Campus Christmas Fayre!🎄EMA in Gillingham North Dorset would like to invite you to attend ou...
10/12/2025

🎄Stop by for our Gillingham Campus Christmas Fayre!🎄

EMA in Gillingham North Dorset would like to invite you to attend our Christmas Fayre next week on Tuesday 16th December, 11am-2pm.

Students and staff will be hosting with Christmas cheer as you enjoy festive food and drink, along with student created crafts at this community focused event, and we'd love for you to stop by and get festive with us.

Open to the public, and with free parking on site - entry is a suggested donation of £2 and includes a hot drink and a cookie!

For more information, please contact reception on: office@employmyability.org.uk

📣ONE WEEK until our FREE Provider Access Event!We will be joined a range of service providers in education and next step...
08/12/2025

📣ONE WEEK until our FREE Provider Access Event!

We will be joined a range of service providers in education and next steps from around Dorset, and beyond.

We will of course be set-up with our own stand too, with EMA staff on hand to tell you all about everything we do at our Moreton and Gillingham campuses, and the diverse opportunities we have available to young people with SEND.

- Supported Internships
- Preparation For Adulthood
- Support For Employment

This event is FREE to attend, and is an open invite to all parents, carers, young people, and providers.

🗓Monday 15th December. 10am-3pm.
📍Moreton Village Hall, near Dorchester Dorset.

AM - School and College groups
PM - Parents, carers, and young people attending not part of a group.

If you require any further details, please get in touch
email: office@employmyability.org.uk

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | SAMEE | Bournemouth and Poole College | SEND4 Community | The Crumbs Project Harbour School Dorset | Volunteer Centre Dorset | The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy | SWRAC |
RSPB | Autism Unlimited | Yeovil College | Dorset Council | BCP Council | Flourish in Nature

We're rounding out week with a few more voices from students and staff offering their perspective on how the college w...
05/12/2025

We're rounding out week with a few more voices from students and staff offering their perspective on how the college works for them. Even though the week itself draws to a close, we will always continue to celebrate our young people, and the hard wording staff who support them!

🗣"I looked at many colleges, but they didn't seem to fit my characteristics and what I was looking for for the future. EMA just stood out - it was the perfect fit. It was everything I was looking for in a college. My timetable is nicely done, and I think the teachers here are really nice and friendly and they have kind voices!" - Charlotte, EMA Student

🗣"My confidence has grown since I started here. I love being at EMA as I like to have a routine and learn and try new things. I find being here that I get listened to and accepted for who I am. I have learned how to become more independent and being able to have positive relationships with others" - Sophie, EMA student

🗣"I enjoy EMA because I get to do digital skills, and I like doing hospitality the most! We do cooking and baking, and get to take cakes home. They taste delicious!" - Tess, EMA student

🗣"One of the many privileges in working in specialist FE is seeing the transformation of so many young people. They often come to us after challenging experiences in mainstream schools and colleges. We hope that a colleges like ours, they no longer feel lost in the system and overwhelmed by the demands put upon them. Instead, EMA offers them a place where they are able to learn in a way that suits them, and we've seen it work so well for many who attend.

Some of the best moments of working within this sector have come about when our learners are able to have the experiences that many other young people take for granted. This can be taking an exam, serving customers in the cafe, or harvesting vegetables that they have planted and cared for. Watching as the learners blossom into young people with confidence in their own futures is a real joy." - Judy, EMA Tutor

Natspec

Job: Office Receptionist and Administrator – Full-Time or Term-Time Plus, Moreton near DorchesterWe have a fantastic new...
05/12/2025

Job: Office Receptionist and Administrator – Full-Time or Term-Time Plus, Moreton near Dorchester

We have a fantastic new recruitment opportunity for an Office Receptionist and Administrator at EMA. For full job details, and an application form, please visit our website: https://employmyability.org.uk/office-receptionist-december-2025/

📣More voices shared for week! Our Gillingham campus in North Dorset is a welcoming and inclusive environment designed ...
04/12/2025

📣More voices shared for week! Our Gillingham campus in North Dorset is a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to meet the needs of students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

🗣"Specialist FE empowers every learner, whatever their starting point, to discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, access engaging learning opportunities, and shape their own future.

At EMA, our person-centred, adaptable, and tailored support, along with individualised timetables, is key to providing these opportunities for those who deserve a path to succeed, just like anyone else. Environments such as our campus in Gillingham are designed specifically made to meet learners’ needs, and we have seen time and again how they can help individuals achieve their goals." - Lisa-Marie MacKenzie, Deputy Head of Education, Gillingham

🗣"One of the best things about EMA is the deep pressure and physio sessions. I wanted to give thanks to EMA staff for helping me start achieving my goals. I'm very happy - thank you all very much!" - Ben, Gillingham student

🗣"I feel the work being done at EMA, and places like ours, plays a huge role in enabling the success of young people with SEND by providing those real-life learning experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment. At Gillingham we offer practical opportunities such as our weekly pop-up cafe, and sessions in our independent living skills suite where students can develop essential life skills they can use at home and into adulthood. Our MUGA also provides a space for physical wellbeing and is popular with all staff and students! The nurturing environment we provide at EMA ensures every student has the support needed to promote their well-being and self-esteem along with an opportunity to thrive beyond EMA!” - Sarah, Tutor

Natspec

week continues with stories of EMA graduates. Whether it's short-term goals for confidence and independence, or landin...
03/12/2025

week continues with stories of EMA graduates. Whether it's short-term goals for confidence and independence, or landing a new job in the pursuit of a career, the power of specialist FE is evident in our young people.

🐾Eleanor - overcame many barriers to find work experience at Allendale Community Centre utilising skills developed at EMA, and then eventually moved on to employment with Pets UK!

👨‍🍳Felix - graduated our CTH - Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality courses and found employment as an apprentice Chef with prestigious five-star venue Lime Wood Hotel

🍿Alice - built up confidence that enabled her to travel independently, and gained employment with ODEON Cinemas.

🌿Taryn - we recently highlighted his journey through education, and supported living, leading to his employment with Dorset Community Action's GreenCare team! You can read more of his story on our website.

✅Person-centred support in our classrooms and training spaces is key in guiding young people on to their next steps, and we're proud to see them achieve at college, and after they graduate. These are just a few former EMA students who are shining examples of what this support can lead to.👏

Natspec

EMA Social Care hosts Vibe 2Gether in Weymouth just one week from today and tickets are available now!Vibe 2Gether is an...
03/12/2025

EMA Social Care hosts Vibe 2Gether in Weymouth just one week from today and tickets are available now!

Vibe 2Gether is an inclusive club night for adults with learning disabilities and autism which offers a safe environment for everyone to let loose with friends. The previous events have been a brilliant success and represent the positive support for the community, not just for those who attend EMA, but at fellow service providers around Dorset and beyond.

For more information, visit the EMA Social Care website, social media, or reach out to the team. 😃 (Please note, this an over 18s event).

✅One of the key aims of is to show policy-makers and decision-takers across the country the value of specialist FE and...
02/12/2025

✅One of the key aims of is to show policy-makers and decision-takers across the country the value of specialist FE and its essential place within an inclusive education system we all strive for.

Lloyd Hatton MP for South Dorset and Dorset Councillor Clare Sutton visited EMA this year to see first-hand what we do, and connecting with individuals like them allows us to demonstrate how we enable students to achieve and how specialist FE benefits our communities - with students going into work, volunteer roles, and better prepared for adulthood and independence.

“We are always taking steps to invite key stakeholders to our campuses and show them around, so they can see our students and staff in action. Welcoming Lloyd and Clare through our doors were two brilliant opportunities to highlight to them the need for environments like EMA in the local area. We were able to discuss all the work we do, but also share with them the challenges we face. We felt listened to, and both individuals have followed up with us since. We will continue to celebrate the successes of our young people, and we hope the Power of Specialist FE campaign gets in front of as many eyes as possible.” – James Dunham, Head of Education

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Address

The Walled Garden
Dorchester
DT28RH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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About Us

Employ My Ability, based at The Walled Garden, Moreton and Thorngrove Garden Centre, Gillingham, is a unique place for our students, staff and customers. We provide many different vocational training opportunities within our commercial settings. Alongside the acquisition of work-skills, training and real life work-experience we enable our students to leave with worthwhile qualifications and a pathway into employment within their local community. Our students and service users engage with personal timetables and work alongside our tutor-trained industry professionals to develop understanding of the skills required for the workplace. Students follow the Employ My Ability Curriculum and access the wide variety of extra-curricular activities that this offers. With visitors, tourists and regular customers being drawn to our site throughout the year, we set high expectations, standards of service and consequential learning is experienced throughout. Students regularly interact with customers and develop essential social and communication skills. Our students complete tasks that are relevant, worthwhile and have real outcomes for the development of their own learning. The team welcome you to see the opportunities available at Employ My Ability.