Students bring a smile to disadvantaged

STAFF and students from Huddersfield New College played their part in ensuring that children in need received a Christmas present.

The college’s early years department orchestrated a Christmas gift appeal and gathered more than 50 items.

They set up a Christmas tree decorated with tags that provided information about different types of children.

The tags were then taken by staff and students and a gift bought for a child fitting that description.

The presents were then taken to the National Children’s Centre at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield and the gifts given to children who otherwise would not have received gifts on Christmas Day.

The visit to the Centre helped the students understand the different range of services offered to children and families in and around Huddersfield.

They also discovered more about the careers open to them with their Early Years Educator qualification.

Julie Carver, early years teacher said: “Myself and the rest of the department are very proud of our BTEC first students.

“We knew they looked forward to waking up on Christmas morning and knowing how happy they made children, who otherwise would not have been visited by Santa.”

Staff at the Brian Jackson Centre centre work with families and children across West and South Yorkshire.

They help them through difficult circumstances such as family bereavement and separation.