Telford school pupil wins work experience placement at Tesco

Daisy Nash, who suffers from cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair, was being shown the role of a store assistant at the Wrekin Retail Park branch.

Store assistant Mike Cooper, who is also in a wheelchair, starting showing her around the store on Monday.

Daisy, a year 10 pupil at Lord Silkin School, will spend the week at Tesco after charity Whizz-Kidz, which works to give disabled children the chance to lead a normal life, helped Daisy to get the placement.

Daisy said: “I’ve had a really good time so far. I’ve been working in the clothing department and everyone has been really helpful.”

Mr Cooper said: “When I applied for the job here I noticed the applications form did not ask if I had any disabilities at all so everyone was interviewed on their merits and not on their disabilities.”

Jill Rogers, community champion at the store said: “I think it is brilliant to have Daisy in the store and I am sure she will enjoy the experience.

“Our member of staff Mike Cooper is paralysed and has worked here since 2005. He is enjoying showing Daisy what challenges she may face and how they can be overcome.

“Tesco is a community brand and everyone here is a team and Daisy will see this throughout her week with us.

“Within the first couple of days it has become obvious that Daisy does not allow her wheelchair to stop her achieving anything and I am sure Daisy has a promising future ahead of her.”

Headteacher of Lord Silkin School, Trevor Goddard said: "Ensuring all of our pupils are equipped for life after school, with work-ready skills and qualifications, is a key priority for the Lord Silkin School.

“We have a number of pupils here with disabilities, including wheelchair users, like Daisy, who receive the same opportunities as our other students to achieve experience in real-life work situations.

"Daisy is looking forward to working with Tesco employee Mike Cooper, and we're sure the experience will be extremely beneficial."