Pupils at Chadsgrove School in Bromsgrove are benefiting from a creative ceramics project that is supporting their wellbeing, confidence and connection with others. Through working with clay, pupils have been able to express themselves, develop new skills and contribute to a lasting feature within their school environment.
Chadsgrove School supports children and young people with complex needs, where opportunities for creative expression and social connection outside of the classroom are especially important. The school identified a need for engaging activities that would build confidence, develop fine motor skills and provide a calming, inclusive space where pupils could come together and take pride in shared achievements.
With support from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Wellbeing Grant, the school established a ceramics project delivered through art lessons, enrichment sessions and after school clubs. Pupils and staff worked together to design and create ceramic pieces, including flowers to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary, which are now proudly displayed in the sensory garden. The funding enabled the purchase of tools, clay and a range of glazes, creating resources that can continue to be used by the school in future projects.
During a recent visit, the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Alan Bailes, saw the finished ceramic pieces in place within the sensory garden, a beautiful, calm and shaded space for pupils. Nikki Taylor, who led the project, shared the positive impact of working with clay, explaining how the creative process has supported pupils’ emotional expression, engagement and sense of achievement. The project has brought pupils and staff together, strengthening relationships and providing meaningful opportunities to connect outside of the classroom.
The impact of the project will continue as the ceramic display will remain a permanent feature of the sensory garden, offering an ongoing space for reflection, storytelling and learning. The school is already planning to build on this success, with further ceramics activities involving both pupils and staff, ensuring that creativity and wellbeing remain a central part of the school experience.
If you would like to create opportunities like this for children and young people in your setting, you can apply for an Educational Wellbeing Grants | Worcestershire County Council