Helping you help others with mental health support in UK schools.
Schools are facing rising mental health challenges among pupils. Our expert arts psychotherapists provide 1:1's, group, school days and bespoke programmes addressing EBSA, attendance and school readiness.
What an arts therapy session in your school could look like.
What your therapist will need:
Your therapist will need a suitable room for art materials, musical instruments, or a space to move in, depending on which therapy you choose.
How long does an Arts Therapy session last?
Therapy sessions usually last for 30-40 minutes, so pupils don’t miss too much of their lesson time.
What can I expect from my Arts Therapist?
Your therapist will be calm and welcoming and will guide your children and young people through the process, always following their lead.
They will probably start by talking, and they can keep talking as much as you like if they want to, or they will use the art form to express themselves instead.
What happens after the session?
The therapist will deliver them back to class, where they may need a few minutes to adjust back into the classroom environment.
Improved focus and behaviour in class.
By offering a regular emotional outlet, the child or young person knows that they have a safe place to express difficult behaviours.
Arts therapists are highly skilled at understanding the meaning behind the behaviour and can advise on different ways of managing that behaviour.
Arts therapy is also proven to reduce stress, calm the brain and therefore a better prepared child for the classroom.
Funding for in-school therapy
Schools can use different funding pots to fund therapy.
Firstly, they must make it a priority – a child who is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is not going to be able to access any other service until this is addressed, including the classroom environment.
There are funding pots for Looked After Children, Pupil Premium, SEND needs, charity funding and local councils.
Arts Therapies UK also have discounts for Multi-Academy Trusts and have a free therapy offer for multiple referrals.
MultiAcademy Trust Discount
Arts Therapies UK is proud to be strategic partners with numerous Multi Academy Trusts where arts therapy can be commissioned across several schools through one central contract.
We offer discounts and special offers for MATs and tackle some of the most difficult issues in schools for pupils and staff, such as mental health, SEND, Staff CPD and supervision, attendance and re-engagement programmes such as EBSA (Emotion Based School Avoidance).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do schools know which children should be referred?
There isn’t a child in the world who wouldn’t benefit from arts therapy. However, some will shout louder than others that they need help. However, it’s important to look out for the ones who are quiet, as they can often go under the radar and may not be able to express that they need help too.
Is there a discount for multiple referrals?
Yes, we offer a 50% discount on your third referral, or a 100% discount on your fifth!
Does arts therapy help with issues such
as anxiety and school refusal (EBSA)?
Yes, arts therapies can help with anxiety and school refusal. Not only will the therapy tease out the root cause of the issue, but it will also help the child feel safe and work through those issues. It offers children a positive reason to go into school, a less scary place than a classroom and gently encourages more confidence in being in the school environment. Arts Therapies UK has specific EBSA programmes available.
