OUR:sTORIES
They could express themselves, so the creative arts were boosting their wellbeing.
Marzena, teacher & literacy lead
the project
our:stories is Create’s programme for SEND pupils across London, using the arts to support reading and writing for pleasure and to help children develop their identities as readers and storytellers.
when the kids see somebody else with that sort of enthusiasm, they really take to it.
ADAM, TEACHER
our:stories enables children to engage with stories in ways that reflect their communication styles, interests and strengths. Through multi-sensory, participant-led workshops, children develop confidence, creativity and a positive relationship with reading and writing. By creating space for agency, play and interpretation, the programme supports wellbeing while helping children see themselves as readers and storytellers.
our impact
0%
OF PARTICIPANTS IMPROVED THEIR TEAMWORK SKILLS
0%
OF PARTICIPANTS SAID THEY DEVELOPED THEIR CONFIDENCE
THE NEED
Reading for pleasure is in national decline, with fewer than one in three children saying they enjoy reading. For children with SEND, barriers to engaging with stories are often greater. Traditional literacy approaches can feel inaccessible when reading is framed around attainment rather than enjoyment, and when there is limited space for creativity, choice and different forms of communication.
In the research I’ve read, and undertaken, I haven’t seen any other projects that combine creatives, children with SEND and reading and writing for pleasure in this way.
HELEN HENDRY
Research highlights the importance of reading for pleasure in supporting wellbeing, identity and long-term motivation. Yet children with SEND are frequently overlooked in reading initiatives. our:stories responds to this gap by placing creativity at the heart of literacy, allowing children to experience stories as something joyful, social and meaningful.
We designed our:stories to ensure that every child – regardless of how they communicate or learn – has the opportunity to connect with stories, develop confidence, and experience reading as something that belongs to them.
case studies
artwork gallery
