Arts-based learning programme receives £250k investment

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is investing a further £249,200 in Leicester-based Attenborough Arts Centre’s SENsory Atelier programme. 

The programme, which sees artists collaborate with pupils in special educational needs (SEN) schools, is currently running in nine Leicestershire schools.

The foundation has supported the initiative since its inception in 2016. 

The latest investment will help the programme expand its cultural engagement. A statement released by the arts centre says existing partners will become Affiliate Schools that will co-lead the development of the new phase of SENsory Atelier across their own networks, with an aim to embed the programme across more SEN and mainstream settings.

A new community strand of creative sessions and events for SEND children and their families at weekends and during school holidays will also be developed, connecting with the arts centre’s Inclusive Youth Arts Programme.

Over the last eight years, the programme has engaged 3,289 young people in formal SEND school settings, delivered more than 3,025 hours of cultural learning activity, supported the training and development of 735 teachers and support staff, developed the practice of 358 artists and led to two partner schools being awarded Platinum and Gold Artsmark standards.

Catherine Sutton, head of programme – education at the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: “We hope this grant will support the SENsory Atelier to continue to deliver exceptional arts-based learning opportunities for children with SEND in Leicestershire for the long-term and to advocate for a more inclusive and creative approach to education”.

“At a time when the SEN schools sector, children and their families are at increasing risk of marginalisation and exclusion, this crucial funding secures the future of our inclusive practice for our communities,” added the arts centre’s director Andrew Fletcher.