Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Halifax Academy talk about their Reach provision and how this is supporting students.

 

Summarised video transcript

Introduction

Charlotte and Emma introduce Reach, an additional resourced provision at Halifax Academy designed to support students who struggle in mainstream settings. They begin by describing the sensory and communication challenges some students face in a typical school day.

"To understand what Reach truly is, we first need to understand what a school day can feel like for some of our most creative and brilliant thinkers.

Imagine you're trying to write a story, but the hum of the lights, the buzz of the projector, and the scratching of pencils are overwhelming. You're so busy trying to block out all of that that you can't process the teacher's words. You can't learn. Nobody understands. You can't explain.

Now imagine you have a world of ideas in your head, but the path from your brain to your mouth becomes a tangled maze. You feel frustrated and misunderstood. This isn't hypothetical—this was the reality for some of our students. They were surviving, and we knew that wasn't good enough."

Origins of Reach

  • Initially started as a classroom called Impact, designed to help students flourish with a tailored curriculum.
  • The success of Impact led to recognition by Calderdale Council, who encouraged the school to expand the model.
  • This led to the creation of Reach, an Additional Resource Provision (ARP).

What is Reach?

  • A specialist provision offering adapted learning pathways while maintaining access to wider school opportunities.
  • Acts as a launchpad for formal education and life skills.
  • Focuses on flexibility, adapting the environment to the child rather than forcing the child to fit a fixed system.

Transition and Environment

  • Students begin with a carefully planned transition during the summer term.
  • In September, they start in the Reach base, a quieter, separate building on the school site.
  • The base helps build routines, relationships, and confidence.
  • Reach is not about separation—it’s about preparation for thriving both within and beyond the provision.

Student Stories

  1. Shy Student: Initially quiet and hesitant, she asked to join a rounders club—marking a turning point in her confidence and engagement.
  2. Primary Transition Student: Moved from one-to-one support in primary to independent learning in Reach. With encouragement and support, he became more self-reliant and confident.

Gradual Integration

  • Students are invited—not pushed—to join wider school activities.
  • Integration starts small (e.g., 10 minutes of PE) and builds up.
  • Students can explore the main school at their own pace, supported by trusted staff.

Outcomes

  • Every student who has gone through Impact has achieved:
    • GCSEs (grade 4 or above) in Art and Design
    • Maths and English qualifications (including entry level)
    • Gold awards in personal development programs

Student Voices:

  • “I like Reach because of the kids and the breaks.”
  • “Reach helps me with learning. The teachers are really nice.”
  • “I love Reach. There are nice people.”
  • “I like being in Reach because I’m doing work—maths, art.”

Parent Testimonial

A grandparent shared how her grandson thrived in Reach, growing in confidence and expressing aspirations to become a police officer.

Closing Message

Reach is:

  • A safe bridge to new adventures
  • A launchpad for aspirations
  • A place where students are listened to and empowered
  • Deeply committed to the school motto: “Giving every student a voice to change the world.”

Visitors are welcome to see Reach in action and ask questions.