Yorkshire Cricket Board

The SEND School’s Programme was delivered to over 60 schools across the county and is focused on table cricket and softball games. Schools were invited to attend regional competitions, the winner of the competition progresses on to the county finals held at Headingley, where the successful team was invited to the National Finals – for table cricket this was held at Lord’s.
We ran a very successful programmed at Beckfoot School in Bradford, who went on to represent the county at Lord’s. The Bradford team finished runners up by a narrow defeat, and one of the team was awarded ‘Best Batter of the Competition’. Viv Macdonald, The SEN teaching assistant at Beckfoot said, “Getting to Lord’s was the pinnacle of the team’s success. I love the way the game is now fully inclusive. It’s great to build team spirit and respect. Learning how to take turns and understanding winning and losing, whilst making friends and gaining confidence within a group”. She goes on to say, “that they have made friends and gained confidence within a group. This team has come such a long way.’’

Another SEN teacher said that ‘’ The pupils have really enjoyed taking part in cricket and gained confidence. They have been able to participate in team games which has helped enhance their social skills. All pupils in the class now have a greater ability and enthusiasm to play cricket and will play games in the future.’’ They also mentioned how the event coach was well organised and was able to communicate effectively with all pupils.

As well as the coaching sessions engaging and teaching the pupils, it has also had a positive impact on SEN teachers. One teacher from Heritage Park school in Sheffield said, ‘’ Lessons were really beneficial not only for the pupils but also myself, I saw a different way of teaching a variety of skills relevant to cricket which has helped improve my own practice. The sessions also helped students form bonds with one another.’’ The teacher also mentioned how the programme has encouraged one pupil to join his local cricket team and is now partaking in sport outside of school.’’