Sensory SEND Workshop

Designed for SEND pupils this workshop offers a relaxed, supportive environment for pupils to explore art and sculpture though sensory activities in our galleries and learning studios.

Inspired by artist Barbara Hepworth pupils will explore shape, colour and texture through a range of open-ended drawing and making activities focussing on creative processes and sensory experiences.

Lead by an experienced artist, the workshop is designed to be flexible and responsive to your pupils’ interests and needs.

Workshop info

Duration: 1hr 30mins, with optional 10mins break

Timings: 10.30am – 12pm or 1 – 2.30pm

Suitable for: SEND pupils ages 7+

Group size: Up to 12 pupils, with a min staffing ratio of 1:4

Cost:  £166.50

Session format

10 mins – Welcome and introductory activities in the learning studios

30 mins – Transition upstairs for a selection of creative activities in the galleries

10 mins – Optional break in the picnic area

30-40 mins – Creative making and sensory explorations in the learning studios

10 mins – Reflections and goodbye

Take back to school

This workshop focusses on creative processes and sensory experiences rather than final outcomes. However you will be able to take back to school any drawings, clay sculptures or colour collages that pupils have made.

Other useful information

A visual story of the gallery and the workshop, plus a welcome video from the artist will be shared in advance.

An optional break can be built into the session.

A quiet space will be available next to the learning studios.

We have a Changing Places toilet onsite with  a height adjustable changing bench and  a tracking hoist system.

Book this workshop

Arrival and welcome

Pupils will be welcomed by the artist and shown through to our learning studios. Short introductory activities will help pupils settle in and become familiar with the artist, the space and the session.

Exploring the Galleries

When pupils are comfortable, the workshop will move upstairs to the galleries, with pupils using looking tools and tactile objects to support this transition.

In our galleries, the artist will introduce a range of activities that encourage curiosity and make connections with Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures.

Inspired by the shapes, textures and colours in Barbara Hepworth’s work these creative activities include:

• Creative explorations of the artworks using looking tools and handling objects.
• Large-scale drawing using a range of materials and movement.
• Light play with coloured acetate shapes on our windows.
• 3D explorations with tactile natural objects to compare, arrange, sort, stack and build.

Pupils can return to the learning studios or use our quiet space at any time if the gallery environment feels overwhelming.

Creative Making in the Studios

The workshop will then return to our learning studios where there will be a variety of hands-on making activities that develop ideas introduced in the galleries.

These activities are designed for pupils to be able to move freely between them  and include:

•  Large-scale drawing with floor- and wall-based mark making and a variety of drawing tools.
•  Light play activities using sand, colourful acetate and lightboxes to create collages, outlines and shapes.
• Sculpture making  with clay to explore 3D forms and texture.
  Other modelling materials will be available for those who would prefer an alternative to clay
• Large-scale temporary sculpture making by balancing, stacking and building with a variety of materials.

The artist will encourage pupils to explore and engage in these activities at their own pace, led by their interests and needs.

Reflection and Close

At the end of the workshop the artist will gather everyone together again for gentle reflection, sharing experiences and say goodbye.