Creative Connections - an Arts Council England–supported programme bringing high-quality music, dance and drama workshops to SEND children, young people and families in Nottinghamshire.

Creative Connections is BeatFeet’s programme celebrating the power of music, movement and creative play for SEND children, young people and families across Nottinghamshire. Through drumming, dance, storytelling and sensory activities, participants discovered new ways to communicate, build confidence and connect with others. The project also strengthened our practitioner team through high-quality training with industry specialists Bea Udeh and Parmjit Sagoo, ensuring our workshops were inclusive, trauma-aware and culturally grounded. Creative Connections has created lasting relationships, deeper practitioner skills and a strong foundation for future inclusive arts work.

What the project offered

• Inclusive drumming, dance and creative arts sessions

• Delivered in schools, community groups and youth settings

• Sensory-friendly, accessible activities designed for neurodivergent learners

• Performances and sharing events for families and peers

Benefits for participants

• Increased confidence and creative expression

• Improved communication and social connection

• Opportunities to perform and celebrate achievements

• Supportive, joyful spaces tailored to individual needs

 Professional development for practitioners

• Training with Bea Udeh on access, equity and inclusive practice

• Training with Parmjit Sagoo on trauma-aware, wellbeing-centred facilitation

• Stronger cultural understanding and confidence in SEND delivery

• Enhanced skills in co-creation, sensory adaptation and reflective practice

Partnerships and community reach

• Collaboration with schools, community groups and arts partners

• Positive feedback from families, leaders and practitioners

• Communities expressing desire for long-term involvement

• Foundations built for sustainable, ongoing programmes

Long-term impact

• Training and learning now embedded into all BeatFeet programmes

• Increased demand for inclusive creative sessions across the region

• Continuity of resources, relationships and accessible creative pathways