Alternative provision of contemporary arts education including video games design, music performance and preparing for adulthood life skills course; from a growing number of dedicated centres across the UK and online.
Despite the best efforts of schools nationwide, funding and staffing constraints are a reality. It’s increasingly difficult for them to cater for the growing number of young people with SEND, or to meet the specific criteria on EHCPs. Not only that, but creative subjects like Art & Design or Music are normally the first to be cut from the curriculum when resources are scarce. These are often the very subjects that students with SEND find most enjoyable and engaging. As a result, a significant number of students with SEND are either missing large chunks of school or are completely unable to participate in mainstream education. The results speak for themselves. For example, according to the Buckland Review (February, 2024), autistic graduates are twice as likely to be unemployed after 15 months compared with their peers, and when they do find work, they’re the most likely to be overqualified for the job they have. It’s becoming ever clearer that education isn’t one size fits all.
Our aim is to provide inspirational places of learning for neurodiverse students by tapping into their authentic interests. Over time we hope to change the perception of school as a place of confusion and fear for students with SEND into one of acceptance, engagement, learning, happiness and potential. By creating an inclusive learning environment, specifically designed for students with SEND, we rebuild their confidence, working with SENDCOs to create a pathway back into mainstream education or preparing students to graduate and move into work.
