ONCE you get into a routine it's very easy to take the everyday things you have to do for granted. Making a hot drink, preparing food, shopping and using public transport may be second nature to most of us, but for some it isn't that easy.

And that's why the work of The Petty Pool Trust is so important.

As both a college and a registered charity, the Petty Pool team specialises in helping people with learning disabilities reach their maximum learning potential.

Set at the end of a snug pathway in Sandiway, Northwich, and situated in 30 acres of unspoilt woodland, Petty Pool offers a diverse range of entry-level courses for 16 to 25-year-olds across Cheshire.

During my tour there director of student services Nicola Colenso talked through the life skills and basic skills units.

"These are skills that are not usually taught but are extremely important to learn and are things that you or I might take for granted," she said.

"Things like brushing your teeth and using a hairdryer or opening a bank account and getting on a train."

These crucial skills are actively demonstrated in both the modern classrooms and an independent living lodge.

In a mock-up living area, pupils learn about dangers in the home as well as practising domestic skills like vacuum cleaning, washing up and making the bed.

But this is just one of the ingredients that make up the educational experience at Petty Pool.

Modules on offer range from animal care and horticulture to catering and business skills and they are all geared towards the college's distinct ethos.

"Our priorities are to get young people with a learning disability a job.

"Either supported employment, full-time employment or placements," explained chief executive Peter Evans.

Petty Pool is based around a culture of respect and this is reflected by the approachable nature of everyone involved in the Trust.

What makes it special is that staff and students are so passionate about the work they are doing and are keen to give something back to the community.

On Wednesday afternoons, for example, The Petty Pool Trust is open to the public and the horticulture students have a plant sale while the catering and hospitality students sell tea, coffee and cakes.

This regular event helps pupils build up their confidence and vocational skills while engaging with the public and is also an important source of income for the college.

For this dedicated work, it is good to know the Trust has received the recognition it deserves.

"Our greatest achievement was when we got out Ofsted inspection grade one, followed by our Investor in People and Investor in Careers awards," enthused Peter.

"I think they were really outstanding challenges that a lot of government departments would fail on yet we came out as one of the top colleges in the United Kingdom.

"It's something parents like to hear - they know that when they send their young people here they are getting the best education they can possibly get.

"In fact, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster have kindly given us their hall at Eaton Park in Chester to hold a celebration to recognise our volunteers within the Trust."

Thanks to these achievements, the word disability' is not a phrase that is thrown around very often at Petty Pool.

Peter added: "Petty Pool is about people with learning disabilities accessing the community in the normal way that you and I would.

"So, for example, we're trying to do away with minibus travel and instead introduce people carriers with no learning disability labels on them."

In addition to the college is an overwhelming outdoor pursuits area, which could surely rival any adventure spot in Cheshire.

The outdoor area boasts a huge climbing wall, crate climb exercise and a zip wire through a forest, emphasising the need for teamwork.

Petty Pool often holds corporate events where companies can attend the grounds for team building days, which also provide another source of income for the charity.

And thanks to the Rotary Club organisation, young people from across Europe visit Petty Pool once a year to take advantage of the facilities and join the Trust crew on activity holidays.

Other schools are often also involved with this enrichment program, but just like any other charity Petty Pool relies on donations, so if you think you can help please get in touch.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.pettypool.org.uk or call Nicola on 01606 889097.