AN 'innovative and unique' school bakery cafe will open its doors to the public later this month.

Run by the Post-16 students, West Kirby School and College's bakery cafe is a life skills enterprise.

It aims to create a place where young people can learn through 'real life' experiences, such as baking, customer service and business development.

It offers locally-sourced coffee, sourdough loaves, focaccia and a selection of cakes and biscuits, all produced freshly on-site by pupils.

The School Bakery will be open to the public at the school on Meols Drive in West Kirby on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after the Easter holidays from 10.30am-12.30pm.

School Principal Sian Thomas said: "Our vision for The School Bakery is to create a place where young people can learn through 'real life' experiences, such as baking, customer service and business development, which will develop their capabilities, grow their confidence levels and prepare them for adulthood."

The bakery was launched during a private event attended by families, working partners in the community and trustees.

Proving a success already, visitors to the event said it was "Wonderful! A lovely addition to the school. Tea, coffee and food are all excellent, hospitality also great.

"We look forward to becoming regulars."

One of the parents who attended said: "It was wonderful watching Thom, completely calm and collected, utilising his new skills in his safe environment.

"The bakery has allowed him to flourish and try new things and feel confident and proud of his achievements and it’s great having something to show at the end of it that is appreciated by others.

"It helps him also with a part-time job in a kitchen where he is a kitchen porter and gets to be with his friends who wait on him.

"A wonderful addition to the school!"

The school, dedicated to delivering outstanding educational opportunities for young people with special educational needs, was recently awarded 'advanced status' autism accreditation.

The National Autistic Society highlighted how "the new School Bakery will further provide functional opportunities for pupils to practise key skills in communication."

Members of the NAS team also noted that “the school plays an active role in the local community. The school’s bakery will further build on these relationships.”

Support for the bakery has come from businesses who have assisted in barista training and bread-making skills. They include Leaf & Hickory's in West Kirby, Joe Black Coffee Roasters, Kensington Bread Company, Kimberley Caza, Creambakery, social enterprise baker and Liverpool Community College.