Tapes specialist supports its local school

The company is providing work experience for senior learners at The Walnuts School in Hazeley as part of its commitment to a worldwide United Nations Global Compact initiative. The vast majority of The Walnuts School pupils are from the Milton Keynes area and tesa has been working with senior sixth form tutor Della Wheal for three years, providing workplace experience for two or more students at a time. The pupils work in the packing and separation department for a limited number of hours one morning a week. There they acquire the social skills and interactions which are so difficult for many autistic youngsters. Della Wheal says the company has been able to provide a friendly, focused and supportive atmosphere which is just what her students need and not always easy to find. "tesa has been the most successful of our work placements and we really appreciate the special relationship we have been able to establish. At the end of last year the pupils asked if they could say a proper goodbye and tesa put on a farewell lunch for them. "tesa has been able to provide a very special environment. Not all work placements do succeed; sometime pupils do become anxious and disoriented. tesa is the most successful because it is so relaxed, friendly and purposeful. Their ethos is just what we were looking for," Della added.