SEN Hour

At Barkingside Art Club, we believe that creativity, inclusion, and accessibility have the power to bring communities together and positively shape the lives of children and young people.

Delivered in partnership with Art for Artists CIC and based at Fullwell Cross Library, our programmes are built on creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where children and young people can explore creativity, develop confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.

Rather than offering a fixed weekly programme, SEN Hour provides flexible creative sessions tailored to the needs of schools, organisations, charities, families, and individual children and young people.

A Programme Designed Around Individual Needs

Every child is different, and we believe creative engagement should reflect this.

SEN Hour can be designed around the specific needs of a child, young person, school, or organisation. Sessions can be delivered as a one-off experience, a block of sessions, or an ongoing weekly programme.

Schools and organisations can visit us at Fullwell Cross Library, or we can work alongside your team within your own setting.

Our experienced artists and educators work closely with staff, families, and support workers to create meaningful opportunities that encourage participation, communication, confidence, and creative development.

What Can SEN Hour Support?

SEN Hour can support children and young people through:

• Creative engagement and confidence building
• Social communication and relationship development
• Portfolio development
• Arts Award pathways
• Transition support and community engagement
• Emotional wellbeing through creativity
• Exploring interests and creative strengths
• Building independence and self-expression

Programmes can be tailored to suit a wide range of interests and needs, including:

• Visual arts
• Drawing and painting
• Sculpture and mixed media
• Digital art and illustration
• Creative storytelling
• Community art projects
• Sensory and process-based creative activities

Creating Meaningful Engagement

SEN Hour is built on the understanding that children and young people engage in different ways.

For some, creativity may be a pathway to communication. For others, it may be a way to build confidence, explore interests, connect with others, or develop new skills.

Our role is to understand the individual and create opportunities that work for them, rather than expecting them to fit into a traditional programme.

Through creativity, we help children and young people discover their strengths, develop their voice, and engage with the world around them in ways that feel safe, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Working in Partnership

We work with:

• Mainstream schools
• SEND schools and provisions
• Charities and community organisations
• Home-educated children and young people
• Families and support services
• Libraries and cultural organisations

Whether you are looking for a one-off creative experience, a regular engagement programme, portfolio support, or a pathway towards Arts Awards and creative qualifications, we can work with you to design a programme that meets the needs of the children and young people you support.

To find out more about SEN Hour or discuss a bespoke programme, please contact us.