SEND Learners Step Up to Serve 40 Roast Dinners at The Liberty Café!

A group of Petroc SEND learners proved their teamwork and culinary skills this week when they stepped up at the last minute to prepare and serve a full roast dinner at the Liberty Café.

The event, organised in partnership with Age Concern and coordinated by Jo Thorne, saw the learners take charge of the kitchen to provide nearly 40 freshly cooked lunches for guests.

Despite the short notice, the team of seven students worked together brilliantly, peeling, chopping, roasting, and plating up a traditional roast dinner for the community group. Their enthusiasm and professionalism shone throughout the event, and the feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive.

The success of the event has sparked a new partnership between Age Concern and the Liberty Café, who will now host a monthly Café Lunch Club running through to March 2026. The initiative will provide regular opportunities for elderly members of the community and their carers to come together, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and connect in a friendly and welcoming environment.

The Liberty Café at Petroc regularly provides real-life work experience opportunities for SEND learners every week, helping them build valuable skills in catering, teamwork, and customer service. Events like this highlight how hands-on learning can make a meaningful difference, both for the students and for the local community they serve.