Moving Stories: Embedding Dance and Drama in SEND teacher practice was one of the 8 UK-wide projects chosen for support from Round 6 of Paul Hamlyn Teacher Development Fund. We worked for over 2 years with our arts delivery partners Peoplescape Theatre and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and six Lewisham schools: Watergate, Brent Knoll, Drumbeat, New Woodlands and the Resource Bases at Tidemill and Athelney Primary. 12 workshops took place across each school over the Spring and Summer terms in both years of the project.
Posted: 10/03/2025
Project Update
The two-year Moving Stories programme (2023-25) has now been completed and 206 SEND pupils have enjoyed the Moving Stories magic!
Watch a short film about the project here.
Read our Final Report Executive Summary here to learn more about the impact of the project on the teachers, arts practitioners, pupils and initiating partners who have been deeply involved in its evolution. The full version of the Final Report is written by external evaluator Sally Manser is available here: Moving Stories Final Report
Alison Hale, Creative Director of Peoplescape Theatre, also wrote a blogpost to reflect on the lessons learned for both herself and her organisation, supported by the Teacher Development Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Read Learning in partnership through dance and drama.
“A great adventure for adults and children” Athelney Primary School
Together with our partners, we’ve delivered 72 drama and dance workshops across 6 Lewisham schools.
Artists from theatre and dance have collaborated with teachers to develop a unified learning journey, focusing on improving the communication skills of young people facing high levels of disadvantage. These skills are essential for unlocking their potential to thrive as active, engaged, and connected members of their communities.
“Confidence, participation and engagement have improved, brilliantly across both classes” Brent Knoll School
Teachers and artists have learnt from one another. In November 2023, we hosted an immersive training day where our Dance and Drama Specialists and participating school teachers exchanged expertise, offering hands-on insights into their innovative practices.
“I have been inspired to write my own songs to use with my pupils” Watergate School
Year 1 Highlights
Mid-Point Learning Day
In July 2024 we held an evaluation day at Trinity Laban that brought together all artists and participating schools. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and experiences of Year 1, share innovative approaches, celebrate successes, and address challenges faced throughout the project. It also served as a pivotal moment to gear up and set the stage for an even more impactful Year 2.
“This project could be incredibly valuable to the entire local authority to understand what progress, attainment, and social emotional support looks like for our children in this context.” Teacher Reflection
Year 2 Highlights
Photography: Becca Hunt
Moving Stories Symposium
On 20 Oct 2025, we held a half-day symposium exploring how teaching & learning for primary SEND pupils can be effectively supported through dance & drama at Trinity Laban. Attended by 50 partitioners, we shared the practical approaches and strategies of the Moving Stories project and explored how we could better meet the needs of children in SEND settings.
‘This project rekindled my joy in teaching.’ – Participant teacher
‘This highlights the importance of developing dance and drama in our practice and education in general, and yes we all can!’ – Symposium attendee
‘The joy of movement and drama as a means of enhancing life experience for all. How inclusive practice can and should be embedded everywhere – I came away with lots of ideas of how to embed more inclusivity into other sessions.’ – Symposium attendee
