SEN HOUR
BARKINGSIDE ART CLUB WAS BUILT ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY IN ART CAN BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.
SEN Hour is a free weekly session run by our founder Eliyah Qureshi for children with Special Educational Needs who attend local mainstream schools. The programme aims to improve social relationships through art and develop a connection with the library, as well as familiarise them with the process of finding and borrowing a book.
The first half of the workshop is dedicated to teaching pupils about browsing through books with the guidance of their LSA and library staff, to help them build a more familiar relationship with the library. The second half is dedicated to exploring various art techniques and learning new skills, which encourages pupils to explore their creativity. At the end of the session, they create an art piece inspired by either their chosen book or by exploring different art materials and techniques. These sessions are mutually beneficial - as it helps to create a common understanding of methods of communication between our students and the library staff.
Thanks to Fullwell Cross Library who are supporting us for our workshops within the library by offering us a free space, and schools collaborating with us, the programme has been a great success. There is nothing that brings us greater satisfaction than positive feedback from children and the community! We run these workshops for free, with all art materials, art lesson plans and guidance provided. Barkingside Art Club was created in the belief that inclusive, communal art workshops have the power to connect us, so we actively strive to create workshops and events which do just that!
Since all our SEN sessions are free we rely on donations and support from our sponsors to keep creativity inclusive. Please have a look at our past events to see just how much joy inclusive art sessions can bring to our diverse communities, and consider donating to help us keep SEN Hour running. There is no amount too small! If your organisation or business would like to sponsor SEN hour please get in touch through our contact page.