Time for Us: Arts Club for SEND Children

The environment

Time For Us supported the environment through the way the project was planned and delivered, with an emphasis on sustainability and responsible use of resources. We prioritised low-waste approaches in our arts sessions, using reusable, recycled and found materials wherever possible. This reduced waste and encouraged children to explore creativity using everyday and natural materials, making activities both accessible and environmentally conscious. All sessions were delivered locally, reducing the need for long-distance travel for families and practitioners. We also worked with local artists and suppliers where possible, helping to lower our carbon footprint while supporting the local creative economy. Environmental awareness was introduced gently through creative activities. Nature-inspired art, sensory play using natural materials and conversations about caring for shared spaces helped participants develop an understanding of their environment in an inclusive and age-appropriate way. By offering high-quality provision within the local area, the project also reduced the need for families to travel further to access suitable SEND-friendly activities, contributing to lower transport-related emissions.

The local economy

Firstly, we hired a range of local artists and practitioners to lead workshops, including visual arts, theatre, & dance. This provided paid opportunities for creative professionals in the Gravesham and Dartford area and supported the growth of local creative skills. We also employed SEND-trained support staff, many of whom were already working in the community. This not only created short-term employment opportunities but strengthened the local workforce with trained, experienced staff who understand the needs of children and young people with SEND. In addition, we sourced materials and supplies from local businesses and suppliers, keeping spending within the local area and supporting small enterprises. By running the project locally, families were able to participate without needing to travel long distances, keeping transport spending within the community and encouraging engagement with other local services and amenities. Finally, by providing free, high-quality activities, we supported parents to work or take part in other community activities, helping them maintain employment or engage in local opportunities with peace of mind.

Volunteering, jobs & education

The project generated paid roles for local SEND support staff and professional artists, ensuring activities were delivered safely and inclusively. By employing practitioners with expertise in theatre, visual arts, dance, and healthy eating, we supported local employment while building capacity in the community for SEND-friendly arts provision.

Arts, culture & heritage

Time For Us supported arts, culture, and heritage by providing SEND children and young people with access to a wide range of creative experiences that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. The project offered workshops in visual arts, theatre, dance, and creative cooking, allowing participants to engage with different art forms and express themselves creatively. Specialist practitioners led sessions, bringing professional skills and cultural knowledge into the classroom, including Bollywood dance and theatre, which introduced children to new cultural perspectives. Participants also explored local culture and heritage through creative projects that reflected the community, such as storytelling, collaborative arts, and craft-based activities inspired by local traditions. These experiences helped children connect with their surroundings, understand cultural diversity, and develop pride in their community. By employing local artists, including some with lived experience of SEND, the project also showcased the diversity of the local creative sector and demonstrated that a SEND diagnosis is not a barrier to participation or creative achievement.

Activity, health and leisure

Time For Us promoted activity, health, and leisure by providing SEND children and young people with structured, engaging, and accessible opportunities to be active, creative, and socially connected. The project offered a mix of physical and creative activities, including theatre, dance, yoga, and movement-based workshops, which encouraged children to develop coordination, balance, and physical confidence in a fun and safe environment. These sessions also promoted mental wellbeing, helping participants regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and build self-esteem. Creative arts activities, such as visual arts, drama, and hands-on workshops like fruit kebab making, offered meaningful leisure experiences that were enjoyable, inclusive, and adapted to individual needs. By allowing participants to explore new hobbies and try different creative mediums, the project supported personal development while encouraging active engagement. Wellbeing sessions were extended to parents and carers, including mindfulness and yoga, providing vital respite and promoting family health and relaxation. Feedback highlighted that 100% of participants reported enjoying the activities and feeling more confident trying new things, demonstrating the impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.