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. 

A report published by the Department for Education in 2024 states that over 1.6 million pupils in England have a known SEND, but according to the Youth Sport Trust, only 17.2% of SEND children feel they have the opportunity to be active. 

Participants were able to try cricket, cycling and ping pong, while gym-based sessions and inflatable games were offered too. Coaches from Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation lent their support by leading on rugby league and football specific activities. 

Amanda Jefferson, Senior University Teacher and Education, Mental Health and SEND Programme Leader at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We were delighted to host the ‘Give it a Go’ Sports Day and provide school pupils with an opportunity to get active in a safe and supported environment. Seeing so many children and young people enjoy taking part in sports and physical activities highlighted the positive impact such opportunities can have on their lives.  

“Child Friendly Leeds aims to address the challenges that prevent children and young people from reaching their potential, including the barriers that still exist in education. Our programmes in the School of Children, Young People and Families at Leeds Trinity University seek to support them with that, ensuring students and graduates understand the role they can play in creating a fair and inclusive society whether they go on to work in education, youth and community work, disability support, family support services or other related fields.” 

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. A 2024 Ofsted review found that teaching students with SEND is the main area current teachers feel they need professional development in.  

Cllr Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families at Leeds City Council, said: “One of our core Child Friendly Leeds ambitions is for Leeds to be an inclusive city for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. 

“From listening to the voices of young people as part of our work, the need was clear for the provision of multiple and varied opportunities for regular physical activity and that people are supported and encouraged to give these a go. 

“It’s brilliant to see partners across Leeds – including Leeds Trinity University, Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos Foundation – team up with the council to offer such a fantastic event to showcase what’s on offer across the city. 

“We hope this will provide our young people with an experience to remember and, in turn, spark an interest in an array of sporting activities they can take part in in the future.” 

Sadiya Salim, Partnership Development Coordinator at Child Friendly Leeds and Leeds Trinity University alumna said: “As an alumna of Leeds Trinity University, I know firsthand the importance of gaining invaluable experience during student placement modules that the University offers. It's been a pleasure to work with the School of Children, Young People and Families on this project and support the students with their career trajectory. 

“As a partnership coordinator, I'm grateful to see so many Child Friendly Leeds ambassadors from across the city help us deliver an experience which will have many positive outcomes for the attendees and the students volunteering.” 

For more information on the School of Children, Young People and Families at Leeds Trinity, visit the University website.