Moving Stories

‘Moving Stories’ is an ambitious project that integrates dance and drama to support communication, creativity, and personal agency among children with diverse and complex needs in special schools.

Moving Stories was delivered in partnership with six Lewisham SEND Primary Schools and Resource Bases, Lewisham Education Arts Network and Peoplescape Theatre between Autumn 2023- Summer 2025.  It was one of six projects nationwide to have been awarded funding by the Paul Hamlyn Teacher Development Fund round 6.

Combining innovative research with a dynamic model of continuing professional development for school teachers working in SEND settings, the project has been fully embraced by teachers and artists, demonstrating clear positive impact on pupil engagement, expression, and confidence.  The creative approach encourages both verbal and non-verbal expression, imaginative participation, and self-directed learning. Its flexible structure allows for either integrated or distinct use of dance and drama, supporting personalised learning pathways. Teachers report an expanded pedagogical toolkit and growing confidence. Teaching Assistants also became more actively involved, contributing to stronger team cohesion and shared leadership in creative learning.

Professional development was led by 8 artists from Trinity Laban and Peoplescape Theatre through a varied and responsive approach—modelling, mentoring, co-experimenting, and direct training—enabling teachers to adapt practices to their own styles and curricula.

Moving Stories has created a strong legacy—enhanced pupil outcomes, enriched teaching practice, new resources, and a growing professional community. It offers a compelling model for embedding the arts in special education and calls for further dissemination and development.

Watch our film to see Moving Stories in action.

Read the final evaluation report.

Interested to know more?  Contact schools@trinitylaban.ac.uk