School of Children, Young People and Families enrichment

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Forest School experience

Enjoyment, excitement, and exhilaration were felt by Foundation year and level 4 students, as well as the tutors, as we embarked on a trip to Be More Outdoors, Huddersfield. The trip was eagerly anticipated and full of moments that allowed everyone to reflect on previous experiences in their childhood. From the head count on the minibus to the following in a line to the destination, memories were shared, and laughs were heard.

Instead of lectures and the comfort of tables and chairs, we were all greeted by wooden benches and the squelch of mud. Activities such as chopping wood and assembling the campfire all encouraged teamwork while embracing and enjoying the outdoors. Students reflected on their experience and all agreed they hadn't done something like this in a long time, which begs the question as to why not? When did we stop seeing enjoyment through the lens of a child? 

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Allerton CoE visit

"We recently took a class visit to Allerton Church of England School to gain insight on how SEND provisions are put in place. We were welcomed with excitement, and they were very pleased to educate us further in SEND in an education setting. It was very interesting to see how they have provided many different spaces and different environments for children to regulate their emotions and be able to return to class and array on their learning. The staff highlighted the importance of these spaces and how it can improve children’s retention of information and gain control of their behaviour. It was a very educational and necessary trip that allows us to see SEND provisions put into practice."

Charlotte Storey

Education, Mental Health and SEND BA (Hons)

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Zarach, partner visit

Students on our Working with Children, Young People and Families degree programme visited Zarach, a bed poverty charity based in Leeds. Their mission is to give every head a bed and to provide the basics so that every child and family in poverty can rise up from surviving to thriving.

The charity was set up by Leeds Trinity Graduate Bex Wilson. Moving forward, we are exploring the potential for placements with Zarach and are keen to support their fundraising appeals.

For more information visit Zarach's website.

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SEND Sports Day

Organised by Leeds Trinity’s School of Children, Young People and Families in collaboration with Child Friendly Leeds, a Leeds City Council initiative aiming to make the city a place where children are valued, supported and enjoy living, the event allowed students from ten Leeds-based schools to take part in a range of physical activities that are not widely accessible to SEND pupils.

To put their skills into practice, several undergraduate students from Leeds Trinity helped facilitate the sports day, gaining practical experience that will benefit their future careers. Learning how to appropriately consider the needs of SEND students and make reasonable adjustments to their teaching will help Leeds Trinity students address a key industry skills gap. 

@leedstrinity Last week we welcomed around 100 children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from schools across Leeds for our Widening Participation Sports Day. Organised by our School of Children, Young People and Families in partnership with Child Friendly Leeds, the event was a celebration of inclusion, teamwork and the power of sport to bring people together ⚽ #LeedsTrinity #SENDsports #LeedsRhinos #LeedsUnited #University #Uni #SportDay #SEND #LeedsTrinityUniversity #UniLife #CampusLife #LoveLTU #UniTok #StudyTok #Sport ♬ Need Sum Bop In It - Brentin Davis

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Conference

Each year, the School of Children, Young People and Families host their Champions of Childhood Conference. The Champions of Childhood Conference is a highlight of the academic year, bringing together students, staff, and our employer partners listening to a range of insightful speakers and thought-provoking discussions. Research-active staff are also regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences.  

This year’s theme was nurturing children’s futures. The event featured guest speakers sharing their innovative work with children and families, creating opportunities for discussions about career routes, placements and research.

All students are encouraged to attend as part of their programme – we look forward to seeing you there next year!

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Heart of our School

The Heart of our School Awards took place earlier this month, allowing students to nominate fellow students across our School. This was a way to say thank you and to show appreciation across the week of Valentine's Day.

The Awards highlight the ethic of care and well-being that we would like all our students to take into their work with children and families. This was a key moment of celebration, and we look forward to nominations opening in late January for the 2026 Awards.

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Dean's Awards

The Dean’s Awards are an annual ceremony celebrating academic student achievement at Leeds Trinity.

The Faculty of Health, Wellness and Life Sciences Awards took place on Thursday 23rd January 2025. The award ceremony included a drinks reception, photo opportunities with a professional photographer, and the chance for our students to celebrate their hard work and recognition with their family and friends.

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Animal-assisted Therapy

Learning about animal-assisted therapy from an LTU graduate

We recently welcomed Becca Haigh, Wildling Adventures owner and LTU alumni, back to campus to deliver an interactive session with our students.

Becca, who graduated from our Working with Children, Young People and Families programme in 2022, set up Wildling Adventures to offer therapeutic interventions through animal-assisted therapy.

Becca’s visit gave students the opportunity to hear about her experiences working with children and families – and to meet some of the animals!

Session highlights

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Best Childcare

Our collaborative partnership with Best Childcare continues to thrive. Not only do students visit Best Childcare to experience a setting in practice but we also have the privilege of the Nursery coming in and delivering module sessions which they've co-created with the School.