FLEX Students Thrive at The Crossing Church
Two years later, FLEX students continue to thrive at The Crossing Church, gaining independence, mastering new skills, and positively impacting the local community.
Since the partnership began, the café has gone from strength to strength. Growing demand has led to extended opening hours, now running every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm These extra hours give students more time to sharpen their skills and engage with customers.
An expanded menu now offers light lunches, including toasted sandwiches and bacon rolls. Students are gaining valuable hands-on catering experience, preparing food and using industry-standard equipment, such as steam ovens, grills, and coffee machines.
But learning goes far beyond the kitchen. Each week, students develop essential customer service skills by welcoming guests, taking payments, and handling transactions. With every shift, their confidence grows as they become increasingly comfortable interacting with the public and refining their communication skills.
A set rota rotates students through different roles, ensuring they gain well-rounded experience. One week, they may be on front-of-house duties, greeting customers and managing the till. The next, they could be in the kitchen, preparing refreshments. Café maintenance is also part of their routine, helping them build responsibility and teamwork skills. Rotating through these areas helps students develop transferable skills that will benefit them in future employment.
Rachel Emberson, Job Coach in Flex at North Notts College, said:
“Greater independence has been one of the most significant changes over the past two years. Students are now trusted to set up, run, and pack away the café with minimal supervision. From arranging tables and preparing food to managing customer service and cleaning up, they handle the day-to-day operations themselves.
Staff take on more of an overseeing role, offering guidance when needed but encouraging students to take ownership of the service.”
Students are now managing their own break times, which has further boosted their time management and reliability. Having this added responsibility is helping them develop self-discipline, which are key traits that will serve them well in the workplace. Practical skills such as teamwork, communication, and customer service are paired with increased confidence and independence. Many students who were once hesitant are now taking the lead with pride – clear proof of how much they have grown.
Placements like this are invaluable for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), high and complex needs, or those who have struggled in traditional classroom settings. Working in a real café environment provides them with the skills and experience needed to transition into future employment or supported internships.