Using multi-sensory drama to promote social and emotional learning in young people with SEND

Original Research

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Published on: October 13, 2025

SEND

7 min read

FARZANA CHOWDHURY, ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER, BRAYS SPECIAL SCHOOL, UK Introduction The National Curriculum defines a framework for essential knowledge to develop educated citizens. Drama, recognised for fostering creativity, is considered non-compulsory, yet its importance is acknowledged in the English National Curriculum (DfE, 2014). This research aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-sensory drama (MSD) in enhancing social and emotional learning (SEL) for students with severe learning difficulties, incorporating insights from education practitioners in a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) school. The school employs a thematic curriculum and features a dedicated MSD room, the ‘Creative Space’, which enhances immersive learning and fosters critical thinking, communication and SEL skills. This study investigates the Creative Space as a means with which to enhance SEL skills among learners. Findings indicate that SEL skills were significantly developed

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Using multi-sensory drama to promote social and emotional learning in young people with SEND

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