Iain Duncan Smith met young Orthodox Jewish people with profound learning disabilities who are taking part in a pioneering educational programme to help them become more independent and learn valuable new life skills.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions was guest of honour at the launch of the high-needs further education partnership for 16-24 year olds between Hackney Community College and Jewish charity Kisharon

Study takes place in specially equipped rooms at the Brenner Community Centre in Stamford Hill, with classes focusing on citizenship, independent living skills, preparation for work, practical literacy and numeracy and IT.

Students will also benefit from hands-on work placements, domestic and catering training in custom-made kitchens, as well as accessible ethics-based Torah studies central to the traditional Jewish way of life.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “This is a great example of how two ends of a community can come together to create something special. I’ve really enjoyed talking to everyone here to understand how these young people are taken through a holistic programme to help them to make their way in the world, and to become more independent.”