The Petty Pool Trust's spectacular woodland surroundings in Sandiway, near Northwich, are in sharp contrast to its humble beginnings in 1981, when it was based in a portable office in a car park. It moved to Sandiway in 1999, after forming a partnership with Cheshire College South and West.

In spite of the dramatic change, Petty Pool's founding principle did not alter: to support young people with learning disabilities into employment through its vocational college and outdoor centre. It also promotes their personal development through the provision of challenging activities.

The trust works with 113 students with learning disabilities and over 1,000 other young people at the outdoor centre. Its secluded rural setting allows students who may not benefit from a larger mainstream college setting to learn in a small and supportive environment with an emphasis on kinaesthetic learning, practical delivery and competence-based qualifications.

Activities on offer at the centre include canoeing, abseiling, problem solving and archery. Vocational skills taught at the college include horticulture and conservation, animal care, IT and hospitality and catering. Supported internships are provided.