New student-run Apprenticeshop offers 'bespoke' homeware in Maidenhead

A student-run homeware store has reopened on Maidenhead High Street with a new look and a cosy new location.

Beech Lodge School, based in Stubbings, has reopened its ‘Apprenticeshop’, offering work experience to young people with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) in a real-life retail setting.

The shop sells vintage, recycled and pre-loved homewares while simultaneously raising funds for charities.

Now, relocated at No. 4 on Maidenhead High Street, the new Apprenticeshop CIC will offer opportunities to students at Forest Bridge School and Manor Green School and will open on more days of the week to meet the demand of the community.

Daniela Shanly, proprietor and co-founder of Beech Lodge previously told the Advertiser that the idea made ‘absolute sense’ as her 18-year-old son prepared to leave the school.

She said: “We are so proud of the Apprenticeshop as it epitomises everything that Beech Lodge stands for and we are thrilled that we can offer this opportunity to other local schools.

“As a special school educating some of the most misunderstood young people in society, we are acutely aware of the importance of developing our pupils to becoming valued and responsible members of the wider community,” she added.

Originally launched in November 2021 and set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC), the Apprenticeshop offers a safe environment for students to gain transferable skills for the world of work.

Over the past three years, young people have learned a great deal about the retail industry from stocktaking, pricing up items, advertising, taking cash and card payments and dealing with customers.

Speaking to the Advertiser at the shop, Rachel Cassidy, life skills practitioner at Beech Lodge School said: “The response has been really positive and very complimentary. We’ve had quite a few sales already.

“The students have really embraced [the new space] and have become comfortable quite quickly.”

She said the pre-owned furniture store is ‘quite current’ as people are looking for more bespoke, second-hand pieces.

Tanya Kirby, job coach in Manor Green School’s careers department, added: “People are coming in just to have a look around and a chat to see what we’re all about. People are pleased to see a new shop open in Maidenhead.”

The pair said the new location was a ‘lovely spot’ with better footfall, and the new, smaller premises was easier for students to manage.

“The fact that it’s hands-on for students, I think as time goes on, their confidence is going to grow.”

The shop officially opened its doors on Tuesday and will be open every Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm (12.30pm on Friday).