Employ My Ability

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

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

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/

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 McKenzie, 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

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

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).

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

Natspec

01/12/2025

📣It’s officially week, and we’re sharing voices from EMA staff and students, re-visiting student success, and fully supporting this campaign as we spread the message of why specialist provisions like ours, those around Dorset and the country are vital in enabling young people to achieve and in enriching our communities.

Heather Helm, our Deputy Head of Education from the Moreton campus is kicking off the week with a few words.

🗣"Specialist further education is more than gaining qualifications - it creates meaningful pathways, builds futures, and strengthens communities through inclusion and contribution. By opening doors to independence and purposeful engagement, we ensure every young person has the chance to thrive. When young people with SEND succeed, communities grow stronger, workplaces become more diverse, and society benefits from a culture rooted in equality and opportunity. Our Moreton campus continues to be a vibrant space, rich in success stories, and we're all committed to doing our part in ensuring this continues for all who attend." - Heather Helm, Deputy Head of Education, Moreton

Spread the message far and wide, and help us celebrate the power of specialist further education. More to come this week!💪

Natspec |

27/11/2025

✅Expanding and improving accessibility for our students.

👩‍🍳The training kitchen at our Moreton campus recently underwent a little expansion, with the installation of new worktops, ovens, and coffee machine! These developments were driven by accessibility improvements and meeting the needs of our students who use the space. The newly installed workstations are adjustable, enabling them to be raised and lowered with ease - making the space more adaptable.

🎄Mince pies have been on the menu, and as we’re full steam ahead towards Christmas, Hospitality Tutor Claire shared how everyone is benefitting, and reiterated her excitement for the upcoming Christmas lunches, which students also contribute to.

🗣“Just when you thought it couldn’t get better in here, the extension to our space with four new adaptable workstations has made us all very happy. More space means those who need it, can feel more comfortable while they learn. The students have coped brilliantly with the changes and have already filled the first term with some fantastic cooking. We can’t believe Christmas is here already, planning is underway for the EMA Provider Access event, and the Christmas lunches - the mince pies have been getting us all in the mood!”

🚸The updates to the kitchen are in addition to recent improvements outside the building, which included adding a new entry gate to The Walled Garden, accessible by students and staff only, removing the need to walk down a section of the road from the old side gate. The kerb here was also dropped and a ramp added to allow for wheelchair access.

These upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for all who attend EMA. If you'd like to learn more about our Hospitality courses endorsed by CTH - Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, please visit our website or get in touch. Our learning environments are proven to help build confidence, skills, and support young people on their journey to independence and a career.

24/11/2025

👩‍🌾Maisie's Supported Internship takes her skills to the next level!

In September, Maisie transitioned to one of our Supported Internships with Dorset Community Action’s GreenCare team. Despite the late autumn weather 🌧, she continues to show enthusiasm and commitment as she develops her skills and works towards a future career, learning how to use industry equipment in just a few short weeks!

🗣“Maisie has managed to fit in so well. She has already learnt how to use a battery strimmer, petrol lawn mower, tree loppers and a hedge trimmer during her first few weeks with us!

We work with a buddy/mentor system, allowing Maisie to work with all members of the team, who have been helping show her the ropes. She says she enjoys raking the leaves and showing her ‘girl power’ with carrying and lifting!” – Lydia, GreenCare

🗣“Maisie has already formed a strong bond with the team, we’re really pleased with her progress so far. We’re also excited to start a new Seed2Plate project in Wareham in the New Year, which will give Maisie a goal of leadership and increased independence, as she will be helping to run these sessions in the future.” – Mark, Job Coach

We’re proud to see Maisie doing so well in this new chapter for her. Her time at EMA has included gaining experience around the grounds of The Walled Garden Moreton (and its café), participating in Seed2Plate, and an external work placement at Max Gate with the National Trust. Now, her Supported Internship with GreenCare is allowing her to build on those experiences even further.

ℹSupported Internships:
✅Designed for those who may need extra support to get ready for work
✅Includes a dedicated job coach
✅Builds practical skills, boosts confidence, and career readiness. 💪

If you'd like to know more, get in touch today to see how Supported Internships can help you find your future.

20/11/2025

Brilliant news for EMA student Jake - last weekend he competed in the British Down Syndrome Swimming British Championships in Crawley and is celebrating medals and new personal bests, including GOLD in his age group for 25m Backstroke!)

🏊‍♀️Jake achieved personal bests (PBs) in ALL of his 4 races!
🥇25m backstroke - He won the overall age group gold medal for GB.
✅50m freestyle - An enormous PB, shaving 17.96 seconds off his entry time.
✅50m backstroke - Again an enormous PB, shaving 11.58 off his entry time.
✅25m freestyle - He received a speeding ticket as he was quicker than the cut-off qualifying time - again something to celebrate!

🗣"I've been training hard and swimming lots before the event. It was a really good day with lots of people from all over the country and other countries. I feel proud!" - Jake

🗣Kate Allen, Committee member and event organiser of the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships shared a few words. "Down Syndrome Swimming GB (DSS-GB) have made a commitment to provide opportunities for swimmers with Down syndrome of all abilities to take part in a national swimming competition.

We are very proud to host the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships which celebrates and showcases the achievements of athletes with Down syndrome from across Great Britain. In its fourth year, the British Championships have secured their place in the annual disability sporting calendar."

👏We love to celebrate the achievements of our students inside and outside of college - a huge well done to Jake!

19/11/2025

Job: Work Experience & Next Steps Coordinator, Full-Time, Moreton (near Dorchester)

We’re looking for a committed and enthusiastic Work Experience & Next Steps Coordinator to join our friendly team in Moreton. In this role, you’ll support students with special educational needs and disabilities as they explore their strengths, develop essential employability skills, and experience meaningful work placements both on-site and with local employers across Dorset.

Full job details and an application form can be found on our website:
https://employmyability.org.uk/work-experience-next-steps-coordinator-full-time/

Job Ref: 1076MOR Become part of EMA and our team of dedicated professionals who are driven to support young people with SEND find their futures. Plus, if you’re looking to further your own career, we can offer more than a rewarding job role, this position comes with the opportunity for accredited ...