Art therapy helping young people in Ceredigion

Innovative Art Therapy lessons at the Ceredigion Pupil Referral Units (PRU) are supporting vulnerable children and young people who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, to re-engage with learning and integrate better into their local community.

At present, 30 pupils are supported within Ceredigion PRU’s between the ages of eight and 16, and a further 15 pupils are supported within mainstream Secondary and Primary Schools in Ceredigion, by a team of SEBSAs (Social Emotional Behaviour Support Assistants) that work as outreach in schools.

Difficulties for these pupils arise from a wide range of reasons such as a recent bereavement; changes in family circumstances; learning difficulties and medical conditions  amongst other. Such difficulties are often expressed by challenging behaviour, such as the inability to concentrate in class or handle angry feelings, and feeling stressed and anxious.

The Art Therapy sessions provided at PRUs give pupils the chance to explore their own and others’ emotions, develop social and communication skills and explore their hopes and dreams for a better future within a relaxed, quiet and calm learning environment.

Councillor Hag Harris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Learning Services, Children and Young People’s Partnership said: “These lessons have resulted in amazing pieces of art work from the pupils and has really led to improved emotional well-being, making the pupils more confident and happier as individuals and being able to re-engage with learning.”

The Art Therapy lessons are offered in all PRU classes once a week by Amanda Clements (Independent Art Therapist) as part of the service provided by Ceredigion County Council.

Ceredigion PRU offers a bespoke and engaging curriculum that meets the needs of the most vulnerable pupils within the Authority and is a highly valued service within education. The PRU mission statement is “Every Child Matters” and its aim is to ensure that each child and young person has the best possible chance to achieve Educational and Social success.

To find out more about the service please visit https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16019