Coming soon! Free Primary Arts programme launches in January 

18 December 2023

A New Direction is very excited to be launching Primary Arts, a new creative arts pilot programme for London primary schools in January and we wanted you to be the first to know about it. To support schools in these challenging times, the entire programme will be offered free of charge and will be available to all year groups from Reception to Year 6, as well as to primary SEND settings.

Primary Arts will offer free access to high quality, inspiring cultural and creative opportunities for your children and staff. From in-school performances and free tickets to arts events for your classes to free training opportunities and creative activities for your staff, Primary Arts will help unlock the creative potential of teachers and children as well as providing opportunities to support pupil and staff wellbeing and personal development.

Primary Arts will consist of a menu of opportunities, and schools will be able to choose which parts of the programme they would like to join. Your school can enjoy a free performance in-school for the whole of one year group from one of our creative partners, or you can take your class to amazing cultural experiences for free, from music, theatre and dance to galleries, museums and heritage sites, both locally and in Central London.

For school staff, we’re delighted to offer opportunities to support personal development and wellbeing. In partnership with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, we’re offering four free masterclasses focusing on creative approaches to reader development. To support staff wellbeing, you can take part in free hands-on twilight workshops with the Crafts Council to explore a variety of areas of craft such as pottery and textiles, as well as also being able to access free tickets to cultural events for your own personal interest.

The Primary Arts pilot programme launches in the New Year, and we are expecting places to book up quickly, so do look out for it in your inbox the week of 15 January 2024. We understand that this is an extremely busy time of year in schools, and we hope that all goes well in the run up to the Christmas holidays and wish you a relaxing break. We’ll be back in touch with further details and how your school can sign up for Primary Arts in the New Year.