Special Educational Needs

At Cockburn Reach Academy, we strive to support all children to enable them to enjoy their learning and reach their full potential. Our whole school approach to teaching and learning ensures that all staff adopt a model of highly inclusive practice. This aims to:

• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum, offering children a range of experiences which are relevant to their present and future interests and needs.

• Maximise each child’s opportunities to experience success and achievement and to develop a positive self-image.

• To remove barriers to learning by understanding the needs of all pupils

We use a wide range of approaches to meet all of the SEND needs of our pupils, primarily their SEMH needs.  Instead of a behaviour policy we follow our positive Relationship and Regulation policy.  We believe that relationships are key and we begin build these from the first interaction we have a pupil.  We have shorter lessons, a visual timetable and now/next cards so pupils understand the structure of the day.  Social time isn't a reward but a learning opportunity where we teach our children how to interact and play with each so they can friendships with their peers.  We focus on identifying a pupil's emotional literacy areas of need and putting in place approaches to support them when dysregulated.

 We also offer more targeted resources and provision such as Numicon, Makaton, sensory stories, sensory circuits and intensive interaction.

We admit all children to our school regardless of disability. We ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to ensure that children are not treated disfavourably. Transition support is given by the SENCO for any children transferring to our setting with  additional needs.

Further details can be found in the SEND Policy and also Accessibility Plan.

Please also see the Leeds SEND local offer - https://www.leedslocaloffer.org.uk/

Our SENCO is Ali Quinn, contact details - office@reachprimary.co.uk

Events for Families

SEND parent carer monthly information drop-in

A monthly drop in for parents and carers to speak to services to receive information and advice about what is available in Leeds to support their family.

• Leeds Local Offer

• SENDIASS

• Leeds Parent Carer Forum

• Carers Leeds

• Child Health and Disability Team (CHAD)

• Leeds Speech and Language Service

Dates and times of drop in

• Wednesday 18th June, 10.30 till 12.30 at Plus Net, 17 Marlborough Street, Leeds, LS1 4PE

• Wednesday 9th July, 10.30 till 12.30 at Plus Net, 17 Marlborough Street, Leeds, LS1 4PE

Each drop in will host a workshop for parents and carers. 

If you require further information about the drop in sessions please email LLO@leeds.gov.uk or join the Leeds Local Offer facebook group.

Parent carer support group network event

Thursday 26th June 2025
10am till 12.30pm
Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, Stanningley, LS28 5TA

The parent carer support group network is coordinated by the Leeds Parent Carer Forum and Voice, Influence and Change Team, LCC. The network compromises of representatives from SEND parent carer support groups in Leeds.

This event is for members of parent carer support groups in Leeds to:

• Hear from the Leeds Parent Carer Forum.

• Hear from the STARS Team.

• Hear from SENSAP about EHCPs.

• Network with other parent carer support groups and hear about their groups, activities and events for families.

Parent carer support group network event

Thursday 26th June 2025
10am till 12.30pm
Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, Stanningley, LS28 5TA

The parent carer support group network is coordinated by the Leeds Parent Carer Forum and Voice, Influence and Change Team, LCC. The network compromises of representatives from SEND parent carer support groups in Leeds.

This event is for members of parent carer support groups in Leeds to:

• Hear from the Leeds Parent Carer Forum.

• Hear from the STARS Team.

• Hear from SENSAP about EHCPs.

• Network with other parent carer support groups and hear about their groups, activities and events for families.

Shine

Spina bifida, hydrocephalus, information, networking and equality

Shine offers support pre-birth and throughout life, to anyone with or affected by a wide range of complex medical conditions.

Check out Shine’s forthcoming events here.

Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2025 - Register Now

7th to 10th September 2025 at the University of Leeds

Registration is now open for the UK’s only in-person event that brings together AAC users, their families, carers, researchers, professionals, and suppliers for four days of learning, networking, socialising, and celebrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

The conference is expected to welcome 500+ attendees from the UK and beyond.

• Hear from keynote speaker Professor Bronwyn Hemsley, Head of Speech Pathology, University of Technology Sydney, speaking on ‘Identity and Connections: AAC, AI & Authorship’.

• 80+ presentations and workshops covering research, clinical practice, and personal stories.

• Visit the exhibition featuring leading AAC and AT suppliers.

• Attend the biennial AAC Awards including dinner and dancing.

• Join the Research Study Day with parallel sessions on ‘The Future of AI in AAC’ and ‘Becoming an Aided Communicator.’

Book early to take advantage of the Early Bird discount which expires on 11 July 2025.

Click here to learn more about the event.

SNAPS Superhero Challenge

Sunday, 29th June 2025
10.30am to 12.30pm
John Charles Centre for Sport, Middleton Grove, Leeds
Registration: click here to register

This accessible and inclusive ‘fun run’ style family event gives children with additional needs the chance to feel like a superhero for the day.

All ages and abilities are welcome, and child can decide on their own distance target around the 400m athletics track. Those requiring an accessibility aid such as a wheelchair, walker or pushchair can also wheel their way around.

All children will be cheered on to the finish line where they will each receive their own challenge medal and goodie bag. As well as the zoom around the track, we will have lots of  fun activities, including: 

• Superhero meet and greet

• Bouncy castle

• Inclusive football sessions with Leeds United Foundation and rugby with Leeds Rhinos Foundation coaches

• Fire and Rescue Service and Police

• Face painting

• Silent disco

• Craft and sensory activities

• Games

• Lots more surprises!

Families can register for the Superhero Challenge for free if they commit to raising £47 or more in sponsorship. This would support the cost of a physiotherapy session for a child with additional needs.

Alternatively, tickets cost £12 per child if you would prefer not to fundraise (adults are free).