Why We Teach Art
Art is an essential part of our curriculum, providing children with opportunities to explore, express themselves, and build key skills in a way that works for them. Art supports independence by encouraging children to make choices, experiment, and build confidence in their creativity. It fosters relationships through shared experiences, whether working alongside peers or engaging in collaborative activities. By using varied textures, tools, and approaches, we ensure engagement and make art accessible and enjoyable. Resilience is developed as children try new things, explore materials, and persevere in a safe environment. Most importantly, art provides a powerful form of communication, allowing children—especially those who are non-verbal—to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
How We Teach Art
Our approach to teaching art is hands-on, process-based, and embedded within our Breadth and Balance Curriculum, linking activities to our termly topics. We provide a range of experiences that make art engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every child.
Key Approaches:
- Attention Autism Bucket Sessions – Capturing attention and sparking curiosity with structured, interactive activities.
- Tuff Trays & Sensory Exploration – Encouraging hands-on exploration with varied textures and materials.
- Team Time – Regular art activities are provided with a wide range of peers.
- Child-Led Exploration – Providing free choice and staff-supported creative experiences.
- Outdoor Learning – Using chalk, natural objects, and painting beyond the classroom.
- Visuals & AAC Support – Aided Language Boards and Choice Boards to support communication.
- Cross-Curricular Learning – Linking art to maths (patterns), science (materials), and communication.
- Emotional Well-Being – Supporting engagement and regulation.
- Special Events – Whole-school activities like Arts Week to celebrate creativity.
What Difference Art Makes to Our Children
Art has a meaningful impact on children's confidence, development, and well-being. We see this through their engagement, self-expression, and interaction with others. Through art, children develop essential skills that support their overall learning, well-being, and ability to interact with the world around them.
Art creates opportunities for our children to make choices, explore materials, and build independence in a way that works for them. It helps them connect with others, share experiences, and develop relationships through creative activities. Art encourages engagement by making learning hands-on and sensory-rich, supporting tolerance to different textures and new experiences. It also builds resilience, giving children the chance to try new things, develop skills, and keep going even when things don’t go to plan. Most importantly, art provides a way to express thoughts and emotions, helping children develop communication.