Worthing College Students Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Local SEND Playscheme 

Students from Worthing College have been praised for their voluntary work at a playscheme for children and young people with SEND needs.

A students volunteered more than 800 hours at the Chanctonbury Community Playscheme (CCPS) in Worthing during the first three weeks of the summer holidays. 

CCPS is a charity in its 49^th year providing inclusive summer play and activity opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across West Sussex. 

In a letter to the college, Lauren Clair, Organiser on Behalf of the Trustees of Chanctonbury Community Programme, wrote: “I am writing on behalf of Community Playscheme (CCPS) to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by students from Worthing College to our Summer 2026 programme.” 

The letter goes on to say: “The young volunteers we are fortunate to recruit each year from colleges such as Worthing College are at the heart of everything we do. 

“Working on a one-to-one or two-to-one basis, they support children and young people with complex needs to enjoy trips, activities, friendships and the very best days possible with us.” 

The letter also states: “Together, these nine volunteers have contributed 882 hours of voluntary service to CCPS. Their compassion, commitment and maturity have made a genuine difference to children, young people and families.  

“We are incredibly grateful for everything they have contributed and hope that, if you feel it appropriate, their achievements might be recognised or celebrated within the college community.  

“They have been a real credit to themselves, their families and Worthing College.” 
 
Charlie Russell, who is a second year Business, Media and Economics student, worked as a team leader at the playscheme in the summer. He said: “It’s so rewarding, it’s just something I want to keep going back to. 

“I just love doing it. It’s so much fun as well meeting all these people, talking to all these people and, as everyone at playscheme says, once you join playscheme, you are always part of playscheme. It’s a family. You always see people here and there. 

“It’s just something great and I’ve loved being a part of and I’m just so happy I did it.” 

Helena Thomas, Principal of Worthing College, said: “I am really proud of our Worthing College students for choosing to give their time to support Chanctonbury Community Playscheme. 

“As a college, we want our students to recognise what they can offer and how they can make a positive contribution to their community.  

“Seeing them put this into practise is particularly rewarding. They should feel very proud of themselves, and it is lovely to see their contribution recognised by the people they have supported.” 

The playscheme will mark its 50th year next year and would be pleased to hear from any more students who would like to volunteer for next summer. For more information, please email: ccpsorganiser@gmail.com 

For more information about a wide range of courses available at Worthing College please click here