For years, Keenan found school a challenging place to thrive, but his story is now taking a very different and positive turn.

The nine-year-old is autistic and has Tourette’s syndrome. He joined Riverside School in November last year and, according to his mother Jessica, he is flourishing - even “skipping to school with excitement”.

With investment from ourselves, more mainstream schools are supporting children with additional needs like Keenan, helping them stay close to home within their communities.

The Targeted Mainstream Provision (TMP) programme focuses on tailored education for children with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), offering a personalised curriculum while they remain among friends, brothers and sisters.

The support Keenan receives has transformed daily life for him and his family. He has access to the sensory room and outdoor play according to his needs and can join the class when he feels ready, meeting friends for lunch and taking part in lessons and group activities.

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Jessica, who lives in Selby, said: “The teachers at Riverside go above and beyond. Keenan is thriving socially and academically. He has made friends. He is a completely different child to what he was last year. He skips into the classroom every morning and is full of enthusiasm which is a huge relief for me.”

The number of children identified with SEND and EHCPs in North Yorkshire has increased by more than 110 per cent since 2016, with more than 6,400 pupils now supported. The Government is planning major reforms to the SEND system.

Our executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “All our children and young people are entitled to a high quality education that is local to them.”

TMPs support up to eight children at a time, with specialist staff delivering tailored timetables, therapies and access to the mainstream curriculum. There are currently 17 TMPs across North Yorkshire, with more planned. Riverside Primary and Brayton CE Primary, part of Yorkshire Learning Trust, are among the latest to join the network.

TMP lead, Jess Wright, said the model has been “very successful”, with nurturing environments, sensory rooms and individualised timetables helping children make “exceptional progress”. Feedback from parents has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

More information about TMPs can be found on our SEND specialist support and inclusion page.