The Vine Accredited as Centre of Excellence for Rebound Therapy

Specialist SEND provision at Leeds City College gains national recognition

Leeds City College’s High Needs campus, The Vine, has been officially accredited as a Centre of Excellence for its rebound therapy provision. This recognition highlights the dedicated work of staff and learners in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through specialised therapeutic interventions.

What is Rebound Therapy?

Rebound therapy involves the use of specialised trampolines to encourage movement, balance, and sensory stimulation. It is designed to support physical development and wellbeing for individuals with complex needs. The therapy can help improve muscle tone, body awareness, and coordination, while also providing a calming sensory experience that may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Significance of the Accreditation

The accreditation as a Centre of Excellence reflects the quality and impact of the rebound therapy programme at The Vine. This comes at a time when the SEND system across the UK is facing significant challenges, including rising numbers of young people with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and a shortage of specialist provisions and qualified staff.

Sarah Simpkins, Deputy Director of SEND and Inclusive Provision at The Vine, commented on the importance of the therapy, stating that it plays a transformative role in supporting learners of varying complexities to thrive.

Context of SEND Provision

• Rebound therapy is part of a tailored offer available at a limited number of centres within the Leeds Local Offer.
• There is increasing demand for specialist post-16 SEND provision, which remains relatively rare compared to mainstream school-age places.
• In December, the UK Government announced £3 billion in funding aimed at creating approximately 50,000 new specialist SEND places, focusing mainly on early intervention and mainstream school-age education.

The Vine’s recognition as a Centre of Excellence underlines the importance of specialised, therapeutic education options for young people with SEND beyond compulsory schooling age.