Young V&A Schools: SEND workshops - EYFS-KS3 (Summer 2026)

At Young V&A we offer specially designed creative workshops for groups of children and young people with SEND, sensory differences and/or identify as neurodivergent, to support a wide range of ages, physical requirements, and learning needs. Students may be based within specialist schools or receiving additional support within mainstream school settings. We have two different workshops to choose from Materials & Texture or Storytelling & Performance. 

Workshops aim to support students to develop creative confidence, collaboration skills and communication skills, as well as complement the DFE Engagement model. 

We have two workshop themes to offer: 

 

Through handling objects, creative activities, games and sensory exploration, students will discover and make connections between different types of materials and textures. Working with our creative facilitators within our studios and galleries- students will come up their own ideas for new designs to be showcased in a 'group gallery'. Through play, testing and exploration- children will build their creative confidence, collaboration skills and communication skills. 

 

This workshop complements the DFE Engagement model in the following ways: 

·       Exploration - student exploration of ideas, creativity and skills in a safe and curious way 

·       Realisation - developing understanding of concepts and new skills to produce designs  

·       Anticipation - to share ideas, support peers and actively engage in activities 

·       Persistence - to explore ideas, concepts and to revise ideas for designs 

·       Initiation - to share ideas, communicate, and develop a designs 

Through handling objects, creative activities, games and sensory exploration, students will discover different ways of telling stories. Working with our creative facilitators within our studios and galleries- students will work together to come up with ideas and designs for costumes, puppets and scenes for their own group story. Through play, testing and self-expression- children will build their creative confidence, collaboration skills and communication skills.

 

This workshop complements the DFE Engagement model in the following ways: 

·       Exploration - students exploration of ideas, creativity and skills in a safe and curious way

·       Realisation - developing understanding of concepts and new skills to produce stories/designs 

·       Anticipation - to share ideas, support peers and actively engage in activities

·       Persistence - to explore ideas, concepts and to revise ideas for building their story

·       Initiation - to share ideas, communicate, and develop a new story/design

We have multiple dates and timeslots to choose from. Workshops can accommodate up to 12 students. Students must be supported at all times by school staff, meeting necessary ratios. 

Workshops are led by a SEND specialist and a creative facilitator, with Makaton support and Widgit symbols where helpful.

 

As part of the workshop time (90min), we are happy to adapt plans to meet the needs of your group and can incorporate comfort breaks as needed. 

After booking

Shortly after booking the lead teacher will receive a follow up email from our schools’ team. The lead teacher will be asked to complete a group profile form, so we can understand the needs of your group. The lead teacher will also be offered a short meeting with a member of our schools’ team, online or in person, to discuss the workshop further and how can adapt plans to best support students. 

 
Included in your booking 

As part of your booking, we will also reserve a 30-minute lunch slot in our Portal Trust Community Room for your group (10.10am workshop- 11.45 lunch slot/ 13.00 workshop- 12.30pm lunch slot). Please note our lunchroom is shared with other schools and is often a noisy environment.

Upon request we would be able to prepare a separate quiet space for any students who may need a break from activities. We have a mobile hoist and a Changing Places Toilet for students who may need these facilities. Please see further information about Access at Young V&A here. 
 
You are also welcome to explore the museum's free permanent galleries; Play, Imagine and Design on a self-guided visit before or after your workshop. 

 

Please note if your school may struggle to cover the workshop fee, please do get in touch with yvaschools@vam.ac.uk, and we would be happy to discuss this further. Please do get in touch if you have any questions ahead of booking. 

Workshops have been designed and developed alongside teachers from Stephen Hawking School and Phoenix Primary and Secondary School.