Liverpool 1 becomes Region's 1st to launch new accessibility service

PEOPLE living with disabilities are set to be given enhanced support during their visit to Liverpool 1 as a brand-new accessibility service is launched.

Launched this week, WelcoMe is part of Liverpool ONE's commitment to accessibility, enabling visitors to communicate any specific needs with the on-site guest services team before they arrive and optionally book assistance during visits.

The platform is currently in place at almost 100 locations across the UK, including:- libraries, retail destinations, hotels, sports centres, museums, galleries, and even the Scottish Parliament. However, Liverpool 1 will be the 1st destination in the North West to offer this service.

The new accessibility service, WelcoMe, will provide visitors with the ability to share, if they wish, information relating to up to 30 types of disabilities, including:- Parkinson's, mobility impairments, and learning difficulties, and express the potential need of accessibility services, tools, and facilities at Liverpool ONE.

With around 58,000 households in Liverpool City Region having at least 1 disabled member; representing almost 40% of all households across the Region; the introduction of WelcoMe is part of Liverpool ONE's commitment to accessibility to make Liverpool 1 and the City as welcoming as possible to everyone.

Gavin Neate, Founder of WelcoMe, said:- "Many disability related solutions focus on maps and reviews, but WelcoMe focuses on 'Arrivals' and the breaking down of barriers in advance. Not only does this help in the moment, but also encourages those who may be anxious about leaving home to do so in a supportive environment. WelcoMe encourages communication in advance of a visit to Liverpool 1 via our online portal, providing the guest services team with the information they need to meet and greet disabled guests and their friends and families with both confidence and empathy. We have been so impressed with the positivity and engagement within the team and are so proud to be working with Liverpool 1 and bringing WelcoMe to the Region."

Liverpool ONE's collaboration with WelcoMe follows the launch of its Sociability and Waymap accessibility tools in August 2024, as well as Liverpool ONE's commitment and contribution to the Liverpool City Region's Accessibility Forum.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "At Liverpool ONE, we are committed to providing something for everyone, and supporting the needs of all of our visitors. We are proud to partner with WelcoMe as they make their North West debut here at Liverpool ONE, and are excited to offer our visitors and local communities the enhanced support this collaboration brings. This initiative is the next step in our mission to make Liverpool 1 and the City Centre as welcoming and accessible as possible for all, through our continued work with partners, experts, and visitors."

For more information about Liverpool ONE's accessibility tools and facilities, visit:- Liverpool-One.Com.

Sefton 6th Form College Ranked in the Top 6% of Further Education Colleges Nationwide for A-level Progress

NEWLY released figures from the Department for Education show that A-level learners at Sefton 6th Form College achieved an:- 'above average' progress score of:- 0.14, placing them in the top 6% of the national league table for further education providers.

Progress is a:- 'value added' accountability measure that shows how well students have developed when compared with others nationally who had similar levels of educational attainment at:- Key Stage 4, which incorporates GCSEs. A score above zero means students made more progress than learners with similar Key Stage 4 results, while a negative score means they made less progress.

This achievement builds on the College's recent recognition as:- 1 of only 2 6th Form Colleges (excluding:- 16 to 19 academies) in Merseyside to hold an outstanding Ofsted grade. Other recent successes includes:- students achieving a 99% A-level pass rate, two-thirds securing high grades of A* to C, and the majority gaining places at their 1st choice Universities.

Students at Sefton 6th Form College thrive in an environment that combines expert teaching, personalised support, and a wealth of enhancement opportunities, all designed to help them excel academically and beyond. In its recent inspection report, Ofsted praised the College's ambitious curriculum and outstanding support, stating:- "Students are taught ambitious curriculums that give them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in learning and life. Students rapidly develop their confidence, resilience, and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support, and participation in life-enhancing experiences."

Deborah Faulkner, Sefton6th Form College Campus Principal, said:- "This achievement highlights the dedication and ambition of our students and staff. Ranking in the top 6% of further education colleges nationwide for A-level progress reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success. At Sefton 6th Form College, we strive to provide a supportive and inspiring environment where every learner can reach their full potential, and we play a key role in delivering high quality A-level education to students across Sefton and beyond. We are incredibly proud of our students' hard work and the exceptional teaching that makes these results possible."