The Reach Primary Learning Centre in Beeston celebrated its fifth birthday last week with local artists and parents.
As well as a visit from local Councillor Andrew Scopes, cult Leeds musician Mik Artistik and Burley Banksy worked with the children through the morning, creating artworks and writing poems, which were then shared with parents and schools over cake and a sing-along.
The school works with children who are struggling with mainstream school life and are at risk of permanent exclusion. Over the last five years the school has worked with 235 children, three quarters of who have returned to mainstream primary school. A quarter have moved to a specialist setting. Reach has worked with 57 schools across the city and gained a number of awards including: the Carnegie Silver Mental Health Award; Investors in Pupils; and the Mindmate Champions Award.
Cllr Scopes (Beeston & Holbeck) commented:
“It was great to see the calm and nurturing environment at the Reach Learning Centre. I enjoyed speaking to the pupils and answering questions about being a councillor. I also need to say a massive thank you to the pupils who showed me around and introduced me to the school pets.”
