What do the schools think?
"I would like to confirm how valuable The Art Room is - both staff and children greatly appreciate this resource. The children are always willing to visit and it is certainly a calm environment that encourages creativity.
I would like to thank everyone who made it possible to establish The Art Room at our school and we have no doubt it is having a positive impact on the children who are attending sessions there, particularly on building self-esteem. I only wish more of our children and staff could benefit from time spent there.”
Chris Price, Headteacher Orchard Meadow Primary School
“Oxford Spires Academy is very proud of its strong liaison with the Art Room. This partnership is a productive relationship which means our students get exceptional support and care. The Art Room is delivered with outstanding vision and organisation. I am always delighted when I go with the calm, positive and purposeful atmosphere and with the quality of creative work. Students value the time to reflect, to create and to feel personally supported. For many of our most vulnerable youngsters this has been key in both their continued attendance in school and their increasing engagement in their education.
The Art Room and its fabulous management by the whole team is key in the success of so many individual students’ lives. We are delighted with the partnership and the ethos of the Art Room and look forward to continued strong partnership for the benefit of students at Oxford Spires Academy and in other local primary schools. As Oxford Spires Academy undergoes a new build we will ensure that there is a continued space for the Art Room at Oxford Spires Academy for the foreseeable future"
Sue Croft, Principal of Oxford Spires Academy
"The Art Room sessions provide a secure, comfortable environment in which the children are regularly encouraged to reflect and as a result, able to get to know themselves. This in turn develops their esteem and sense of self worth and provides opportunities to develop the way they express and manage their emotions. It also gives them a chance to explore and improve their social interactions in a structured yet calm, relaxed setting. The projects are fantastic for children with a wide range of artistic abilities - allowing all children the opportunity to focus on what they 'can do' and to celebrate individual and collective successes. They really enjoy sharing their finished projects with other members of the school community through assemblies."
Gillian Lipscombe, Headteacher, St Francis C of E Primary School
"...We are very excited about the benefits that The Art Room can bring to our own school community and the wider community of schools in the area. We have many vulnerable children who are already accessing the support of The Art Room's structured and nurturing therapeutic environment where they can have a fresh start and find success in the art-based activities. We strongly believe that the arts play a crucial role in building children's self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to go on to be creative, thoughtful members of society."
Mark Miller, Head Teacher of Robert Blair Primary School
“We see the daily benefits of The Art Room in the class room. Children are reengaging and are better able to access the curriculum. The benefits of The Art Room are evident in the children’s confidence and self esteem. Once they have attended The Art Room, the children seem more able to manage their difficulties. As a result they can access learning and some of our non-readers have started to read”
Eileen Elmitt, SENCO Rose Hill Primary School
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