Reach Learning Centre
Bespoke consultancy, support, advice and guidance
Reach for Inclusion offers a bespoke support service to schools, working in partnership with pupils, staff, families and professionals to achieve a culture of inclusion.
Educational excellence for children with SEND requires schools to think smart, be innovative and challenge the norm. We can help you on your path to outstanding practice.
Reach for Inclusion was established in 2018 by Jo Garner, an experienced teacher and leader with 24 years experience in both mainstream and specialist provisions.
Jo has expertise and extensive experience in supporting pupils with SEND in schools.
Starting off a successful teaching career in mainstream education, Jo quickly progressed to SENCO as her passion for SEN was established.
In 2004 Jo moved into specialist provision, since when she has been a teacher, a Department lead and an Assistant Principal for a large generic special school. With expertise in communication, behaviour and Moderate Learning Difficulties, Jo spent 5 years working alongside the Local Authority to place pupils through Shropshire's Specialist Placement Panel.
Since Founding Reach for Inclusion in 2018, Jo has worked with and advised a number of mainstream providers on strategies to support and include pupils with SEN and disabilities in their local community schools.
Jo believes that;
Since high school Siobhan knew that she wanted to work within the SEND sector, seeking volunteering opportunities with young people with SEND to gain experience and knowledge, this confirmed to her that this was the career pathway she wanted to follow. She went on to graduate with a BA QTS specialising in SEND at Liverpool Hope University.
Having gained experience as a teacher at a large all through generic SEND school, Siobhan’s career quickly progressed, she led on the introduction of Extended Schools and Pupil Premium, before moving on to become a Department Lead and Assistant Principal.
With expertise in complex needs and communication, as well as key stage 4 / key stage 5, Siobhan is passionate about Careers Education for ALL and is a qualified Careers Leader (Level 7). She has spent the last 5 years developing her knowledge and expertise, gaining experience within the SEND Further Education Sector to further her knowledge, as continuing professional development is fundamental to Siobhan’s work ethic.
Siobhan is a trainer in Intensive Interaction, and has experience of using this approach to promote communication with children from 3 years right through to young adults. Siobhan has trained many professionals within the education sector in utilising this approach within their practice.
Siobhan believes that;
· ALL young people are entitled to a person-centred approach to education, that is progressive and challenges the young person to reach their full potential, guiding them in to adulthood and promoting their ability to become active citizens within society
· It is our responsibility to advocate for SEND young people, ensuring we challenge the norm and promote innovative ways of working within the SEND sector to work to a better future for all
Tor is a seasoned educator with 14 years of experience specialising in teaching and leading programs for students with special educational needs (SEN). Her expertise includes various methodologies such as Makaton, TACPAC, Sensory Integration, TEACCH, and PECS.
Passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, Tor advocates for total communication and attention to individual needs.
Outside the classroom, Tor finds solace in nature and enjoys engaging with animals. With a dedication to making a positive impact on education and a love for the outdoors, Tor continues to inspire both students and fellow educators alike.
After completing my degree in English with Theatre Studies in 2010, I went on to qualify as a teacher in 2012 and have worked in SEN settings in a variety of different roles ever since including as a Class Teacher, Behaviour Lead, Sensory Integration Lead and Curriculum Lead. My specialism is in positive behaviour management and I worked as Behaviour Lead in a large SEN school for a number of years, during which I completed an MA focusing behaviour and exploring the issue of bullying in detail. I have been a Team Teach trainer since 2015; I strongly believe in positive, therapeutic approaches and that behaviour is a form of communication and that unpicking this is key to supporting an individual displaying behaviours which challenge. I love working at Reach because it brings so much variety; every day is different and I get to work with a broad range of young people and professionals in different ways, including delivering training, consultancy in schools, careers advice, working one-to-one with young people and teaching group sessions. I love the relationships I have the privilege to develop throughout my role and really getting to know the young people I work with and what makes them tick!
In my free time, I love spending time outdoors with my husband and two young children. We enjoy going on muddy adventures with our dog Bear, kayaking, heading off to new places in our campervan and exploring historical sites such as castles. We all love the seaside and head for the coast as often as we can! Family time is very important to me and cosy Friday family film or games night is my favourite time of the week. When I’m on my own (which doesn’t happen often these days!), I love nothing more than curling up with a good book in front of the fire and do my best to instil a love of literature in my own children and all of young people I work with.
With over 15 years immersed in Special Educational Needs (SEN) education, I am a seasoned Forest School leader driven by a fervent commitment to outdoor education.
My journey, fortified by a degree in Social Care and Social Policy, alongside a postgraduate certificate in autism spectrum disorder, has equipped me with a holistic understanding of diverse needs.
My approach is both creative and resourceful, reflecting my passion for nurturing individual growth through innovative methods. Beyond the classroom, I find inspiration in photography, capturing nature's beauty and weaving it into my educational endeavours.
Dedicated to empowering through nature's classroom, I strive to ignite curiosity and foster inclusive learning environments.
I have worked in various roles, where I have demonstrated a passion for enabling young people to achieve their full potential and a sense of wellbeing. As a qualified counsellor, I am well-aware that personal and academic growth go hand-in-hand, and that a person-centred approach to education can foster future endeavours. My expertise is in supporting students to overcome negative thoughts or self-doubts and realise their true self-worth.
As a creative person, I believe that creativity, growth, individuality, and resilience should be nurtured within our students. Everyone expresses themselves or communicates in different ways and developing confidence through self-expression can make everyday routines or goals more comfortable.
In my spare time I enjoy walks in the countryside and family days out. I also enjoy taking part in yoga classes.
Hey there! I'm Becci, a passionate mountain biker and fitness enthusiast who thrives on adrenaline and competition. When I'm not tearing up the trails or in the gym, I'm mentoring SEN students, guiding them to discover their potential and overcome challenges.
With years of experience in both competitive biking and coaching, I bring a unique perspective to my mentoring sessions.
My goal is to inspire and empower students to push their limits, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Let's ride the trails of life together, one pedal stroke at a time!
I have been working in Education since 2019 and am a qualified teacher and assessor in Hairdressing and Beauty.
Alongside my love of education, I also run my own hair and beauty business which was established in 2015.
As a mental health first aider and trainee counsellor I work with students 1:1 and in groups to support them with their needs. I have completed numerous training courses including safeguarding, prevent, attachment and trauma, suicide prevention, mentoring and more.
In my spare time I love cold water swimming and spending time in the garden.'
I have spent the last 10 years working with children, young people and their families with various needs, helping them to reach their full potential. I have completed a variety of training including safeguarding, attachment, online safety and am Makaton trained.
The voice of children and young people has always been at the centre of all my work and has developed me into a nurturing individual that is able to develop good relationships with children and young people to support them holistically. I am passionate about supporting and empowering everyone to achieve and am a firm believer in equality.
Outside of work, I'm a mum to three young children and we love the outdoors! There's nothing better than exploring, getting muddy and going on lots of adventures. We enjoy camping holidays and spending lots of time with friends.
I’m Aislinn. I have always enjoyed supporting children, I have 5 of my own and seeing them strive is so rewarding. I love looking at students faces and seeing how proud they are of themselves when they’ve achieved something.
I have interests in sports and music and enjoy supporting my children’s various football teams of a weekend. I’ve never felt more at home in a job than I have since joining Reach. I feel like I’m a better person since working here and I think that reflects in the children that I work with as well as my own.
Hello there, I’m Kyle! I am an enthusiastic and talkative person that thrives on understanding human behaviours and using technology as a tool to assist learning. Since graduating with an Education Studies BA in 2021, I have explored multiple educational avenues to gain experience mentoring and understanding young people of all ages throughout the toddler to teenage years. I am driven by challenges and I am looking forward to overcoming the obstacles that may prevent the ideal outcome for all young people.
Poppy and Paddy are both Cocker spaniels.
Poppy is 6 and Paddy is 11 months old.
They love coming to work at Reach, especially on Dog Agility day! They are always on hand for a cuddle or a walk, and love to be fussed and groomed.
In their free time they love to go on long walks, play with toys and snooze the day away.
Emily works three days a week at our Learning Centre, and also enjoys outreach visits.
She loves to eat lettuce and carrots, but loves nothing more than having a cuddle with the students.
I understand that each student's situation and needs are unique to them. Tell me more about what you're looking for, and I will get back to you soon with some ideas.