Solent Careers Hub: Cedar School Filming

Solent Careers Hub: Cedar School Filming

Inclusive career education is at the heart of our partnership with Solent Careers Hub and The Cedar School in Southampton, Hampshire. Together, we produced a powerful and insightful series of films that shine a light on career support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).This collaborative project was designed with a clear mission: to challenge outdated stereotypes, highlight the often-overlooked strengths and potential of SEND students and inspire businesses to provide inclusive work experience opportunities that support all young people, regardless of ability.

The initiative was rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to tailored, meaningful inclusive career education that empowers them to dream big and plan confidently for their futures. By working closely with Cedar School’s staff and students in Southampton, we created authentic, heartwarming, and informative content that captures the real-life impact of inclusive career planning in a SEND educational setting. The films portray genuine moments within the school environment, providing an honest look at how career support tailored to individual needs can open doors and transform lives.

Central to the project was the idea of breaking down barriers and reframing the narrative around SEND students. Rather than focusing on limitations, the films celebrate the talents, capabilities, and ambitions of these young people. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes classroom and workshop footage, viewers are able to see firsthand how Cedar School empowers its students to explore future career paths, build confidence, and embrace their unique strengths. The message is clear: with the right support, every young person can find their place in the world of work through effective inclusive career education.

The video series includes two short-form videos designed for social media, aimed at raising awareness, sparking conversation, and reaching a broad audience of educators, employers, and families. These bite-sized clips provide accessible insights into the importance of inclusive career education and encourage viewers to share and engage with the content. In addition to these, we produced a polished six-minute film intended for YouTube and direct communications. This longer piece delves deeper into the story, highlighting the role of the Solent Careers Hub in enhancing career planning at Cedar School and serving as a blueprint for other schools looking to implement similar initiatives. You can read more about our other education projects via our portfolio.

The six-minute film also acts as a compelling call to action, urging businesses and educational institutions to reflect on their practices and consider how they can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future. By showcasing the success of this collaboration, the project advocates for a broader cultural shift in how we approach work experience, career planning, and support for SEND students.

Our films fall under a variety of specialisms including:

  • Training and Educational Videos

  • Diverse and Inclusive Audiences

  • Testimonial and Case Study Films

  • Careers Support

  • Promotional Films across Hampshire and the UK

A highlight of the project was the feedback received from the Cedar School team. Katy Leanord, a key staff member at the school in Southampton, shared her appreciation:

“The Cass Productions team were all extremely accommodating to our children and the needs of a busy school setting throughout the day. Dean and Joe were friendly, understanding, approachable, professional and made everyone feel at ease and confident during filming and stills opportunities. The flexibility and creativity that the team brought to the process was admirable. The team gave the children the time they needed to understand what they were being asked to do and answer all their questions, which made the day such a valuable learning experience for them. A huge thank you from the whole Cedar team!”

Through collaboration, creativity and compassion, this project has not only created a set of impactful films but also helped spark a wider conversation about inclusive career education. By celebrating the achievements of SEND students and promoting business-community partnerships, we hope to inspire ongoing efforts that ensure every young person has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.