Pontefract extends focus on improving inclusivity through link-up with local school
A local special educational needs (SEN) school is buoyed by the prospect of work experience opportunities at Pontefract through Autism In Racing after a group of students attended the track’s final meeting of the year last month.
Seven students aged between 14 and 17 from Oakfield Park School were given a tour of the racecourse, met a number of jockeys, watched the racing and spent time in the track’s sensory room.
Pontefract is the only racecourse in Britain to have its racedays accredited by the National Autistic Society as “autism-friendly”, recognising the West Yorkshire course’s commitment to making meetings fully accessible, and won an award for diversity and inclusion at last week's RCA Showcase Awards.
Naomi Nunn, a teacher at Oakfield Park, said: “The students had a fantastic day and enjoyed learning all about racing. They were really impressed by meeting the jockeys and having photos with them and had the chance to sample the sensory room, which was a fantastic and welcome addition to the day.
“We’re always looking for a wide range of work experience placements for our students and this would open up the idea that some of our students, who are interested in horses and the sport, could pursue a career in it. They may never have considered this to be a possibility so to widen their horizons would be fantastic.
“Such a placement would help students develop vital communication skills and enable them to work on transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and time management. It would develop their self-esteem and confidence, knowing they would be welcomed, accepted and could thrive working in horseracing.”
Pontefract employs a team of four autistic racegoers to help out with Autism In Racing groups when they visit the course.
The track’s chief operating officer Richard Hammill said: “We’ve had a couple of SEN school visits this year as part of our work with Autism In Racing and our focus on improving inclusivity at the racecourse.
“As the team who help out with Autism In Racing groups progress through their careers, we will certainly look at working with any SEN school to see if there are positions where any SEN student could help out.”
Bobby Beevers is the chair and founder of Autism In Racing and believes Pontefract is setting an example to other racecourses in making racedays open to as many people as possible.
Beevers said: “Pontefract are leading the way in staging autism-friendly racedays and my aim is for every racecourse in Britain to follow their example. We are a long way from achieving that but we can dream.”
Racing Post Article by Jack Haynes Tuesday 11th November 2024