Treloar College students invited East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds to visit them for a question and answer session to launch The Power of Specialist Further Education Awareness Week.

Their questions for Mr Hinds were designed to demonstrate how specialised further education had helped them explore their potential.

Before going to Treloar’s many students had experience of mainstream education, where they felt overlooked and excluded because of their wheelchairs.

They were keen to show Mr Hinds how Treloar’s programmes helped them increase their independence and gain confidence and skills needed to thrive in life, contribute to the community and get jobs.

Mr Hinds said: “It was wonderful to return to Treloar’s and speak with college students about their experiences, what they gain from being part of the community, and their thoughts on local issues, parliament and democracy.

“My visit came ahead of The Power of Specialist Further Education Awareness Week, making the conversations especially timely. In my view, among specialist colleges, Treloar’s stands out as exceptional, a truly special space.”

Four students spoke of their specialised further education at Treloar’s.

Izzy said it had supported her with reading, writing, typing, spelling and sentence structure, adding: “It is enabling me to communicate my needs and feelings better.”

Toby added: “It has helped me to gain my independence and speak up for myself, so I can get the things I need, like my new power chair.”

For Hope, it was about coming out of her comfort zone. She said: “Three years ago I was relying on my mum for everything, but now I can do it all myself, knowing I have support there if I need it.”

And Xavi praised the on-site support from nurses, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and technical support. He said: “It enables me to feel part of education and get the most out of all the opportunities.”