Inspiring pupils with SEN to engage with the arts through everyday items

What’s the idea? The aim of this guide is to consider how we can motivate, engage and support children with special educational needs (SEN) to participate in arts activities from a distance. We know that the arts can be a ‘life-enhancing and essential part of our existence’ for all (Cultural Learning Alliance, 2017 p. 1). It can support children to explore their emotions, and develop resilience, confidence and self-worth. What does it mean? All the ideas and suggestions in this guide have been developed working with arts practitioners and SEN teachers within the Kent Special School Trust, so thank you to those teachers, artists and pupils I have worked with. Empowering the creative thought process: This is an essential aspect of the arts, but can be more challenging when working with pupils with SEN. Consider firstly how to change the environment to stimulate the artistic process – for example, through light, sound, wallcoverings or changes in location such as the garden