About Us

Petty Pool’s story began in 1981, when Colin Cook MBE founded the Mid Cheshire Sheltered Workshop with a vision to create an inclusive environment where people with learning difficulties could learn, work and thrive. The charity began with around 6 young people, who learned practical skills such as woodworking, supporting their journeys to independence.

Fellow founding trustee Brian Philips MBE played an equally important role, securing the land from ICI on which Petty Pool stands today and helping to sustain the charity through 45 years of dedicated service and support.

From these strong foundations, the organisation has grown into The Petty Pool Trust as we know it today, continuing with a commitment to inclusion and creating new possibilities for generations of young people.

Our spectacular 40 acre site in Sandiway is set in ancient woodland and was once the setting of Pettypool House, built by the Cholmondeleys in the early 1800s.

During 1943/44 officers and troops of the American 3rd Army were billeted in the house and park. It was purchased by ICI shortly afterwards and was demolished.

In 1999 the site became home to Petty Pool Vocational College, and in the years since, has been developed over time to become the site that our learners, members, visitors and staff know and love.

In 2019 our Snowy building was built, and named after previous student Mark ‘Snowy’ Griffiths who donated much-appreciated funds to the trust.

Now, almost 50 years since the charity first began, the Petty Pool Trust operates across 7 sites, and 6 key areas.

• Petty Pool Vocational College- SEND College for young people aged 16-24
• Petty Pool in the Community – Adult Day Service supporting 70+ members weekly on their journey to independence.
• Petty Pool Alternative Education – Support for young people who are NEET, or at risk of becoming NEET.
• Venturewood – Fully inclusive outdoor education.
• Autism Practical Support – Sister Charity offering Support for Autistic individuals and their families .
• The Ground Up Project CIC – Our Social Enterprise, creating job opportunities for neurodivergent people.

With a national average of 5% of young people with SEND going into employment in the UK we’re proud to far surpass the National average by more each year – with 30% of our leavers securing paid or supported employment on average, giving individuals purpose, independence, and the opportunity to thrive.