The Larder is a social enterprise based in West Lothian, committed to creating a more equal and just Scotland without poverty, where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
We recognise that education is critical, and our mission is to empower communities by providing training and skills for life, and supporting young people experiencing barriers into work in the hospitality sector.
The Larder operates three cafés across West Lothian, giving local communities access to our products and services alongside offering work experience and volunteering opportunities. Our Training Academy also supports young people and adults with key life skills and employability support.
In 2023-’24, The Larder’s training provision supported 538 individuals, with a large portion receiving an SQA qualification at SCQF level 3,4 or 5.
627 SQA units were certificated across topics including Hospitality, Personal Development, Core Skills, Employability, Customer Service and Health and Wellbeing. Hospitality topics covered by The Larder include:
- Bakery
- Barista
- Bread Making
- Cake Decorating
- Cookery Processes
- Craft Baking
- Food Hygiene for the Hospitality
- Food Preparation Techniques
- Hospitality Organisation of Practical Skills
- Hospitality Working in the Professional Kitchen
- Pastry
- Professional Cookery
- Understanding & Using Ingredients
Working with Schools
The Larder works with schools to provide learning opportunities for young people who are struggling in a mainstream education setting. We work closely with students to help develop their skills and confidence, all whilst gaining qualifications and provide one to one support where required.
Deans Community High School commented: “The Larder go above and beyond to support the students they work with. Without question, each time we refer a young person, they are picked up quickly and offered a package of support designed to meet their needs. Every young person we have referred has engaged – even when they were not able to engage with formal education in the school setting. This is due to the high level of support, nurture and compassion they are shown. Successes include achieving formal qualifications, developing social skills, building confidence and being successful in gaining a positive destination after their time with The Larder comes to an end.”
Chris’ Story
Chris attended our school programme for two years before leaving school at 18-years-old. He has additional support needs and little speech, but is a great singer and loved cooking. After school, he moved on to one of our training programmes that helped him gain work experience and qualifications, but also build his confidence, meet new friends, and entertain other students and staff with his musical skills.
After 26 weeks, Chris moved onto a supported volunteering work placement and worked there successfully until his family moved back to Wales. Chris’ mum said that she now has hope for his future, with his verbal communication skills having improved so much. Chris even phoned his Gran in Wales after every session at the Larder to tell her all about that, which was a huge milestone in their relationship.
