Skip to content

Arts course builds confidence in children in care

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageStepping Forward/Telford & Wrekin Virtual School Matthew smiling at the camera, while standing in a room with a screen and a speaker behind him. He has short dark hair and glasses and is wearing a black T-shirt.Stepping Forward/Telford & Wrekin Virtual School
Matthew said he would like to work in the music industry when he is older

Young people who have joined a pioneering performing arts course said it has given them confidence and an insight into the entertainment industry.

The virtual course started in February for teenagers in care aged 13 to 17, and it has been developed by The Share Foundation in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire; Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire and the Rothschild Foundation.

The youngsters get to find out about the performing arts, gain experience in workshops and learn from industry professionals.

Music-lover Matthew, 14, said online learning made him feel like he could "be himself". Michelle Salter, his headteacher, said she had seen a boost in students' self-esteem.

News imageBen Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School Three people looking off to the right, as though they are listening to someone speak. You can see a man with stubble, a teenage boy with short curly hair and Matthew. They are beside a sign that says Stepping Forward. Ben Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School
Matthew (right) has been involved in the project since it launched at the end of February

There are currently 205 young people enrolled in the Stepping Forward programme that is available across 71 UK local authorities.

The government estimates creative industries generated £126bn in gross value added to the economy and they employed 2.4 million people in 2022.

Matthew said he had already learned many aspects of the arts through the course, including stage direction, dance, music and lighting.

"If you don't get the first bit you can rewind and watch it again and again," he said.

"It's raised my confidence as well.

"It feels special that I got picked. I feel lucky as not everyone has the chance."

News imageBen Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School Emeka Sesay smiling with other people in a room, which looks like a historic hall with wood panelling. They are all looking off-camera to the left and some are clapping. He is wearing sunglasses, a grey jumper and beige coat.Ben Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School
Actor Emeka Sesay wanted to get involved in the programme, as he used to be in care as a child

Actor Emeka Sesay, an actor who has appeared in Top Boy and The Power and is a former care leaver, said he was "thrilled" to be backing the project.

"I truly believe in the transformative power of the performing arts," he said.

"Growing up, the arts provided me with a sense of purpose and confidence, and I want to share that experience with young people in care."

News imageStepping Forward/Telford & Wrekin Virtual School Matthew, playing a guitar and singing into a microphone, with a person behind him. He is wearing a black T-shirt and has a silver necklace. Stepping Forward/Telford & Wrekin Virtual School
Matthew plays guitar and piano for his virtual school band

Youngsters taking part can earn up to £200 in their Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund, and it counts towards an Arts Award qualification.

Khia, another participant, said: "It's given me the chance to express and discover talents I didn't know I had.

"The support and encouragement has really boosted my confidence."

Ms Salter, from the Telford and Wrekin Virtual School, said: "We have observed significant, positive outcomes; we've seen an increase in self-esteem and confidence in our learners, not just in the arts, but wider as well.

"They feel more confident to join more clubs. They also report a sense of belonging."

News imageBen Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School Josie Rylance, standing a room with a sign behind her and screens and equipment to her right. She is mid-clap and is smiling. She is wearing a blue and black checked dress, and has long blonde hair. Ben Gregory-Ring/Tring Park School
Josie Rylance said the programme had expanded considerably since it started several months ago

Josie Rylance, programme co-ordinator, said: "Stepping Forward is about more than the performing arts - it's about giving young people in care the chance to discover their voice, grow in confidence and see new possibilities for their future.

"Seeing the impact on young people who've taken part has been incredible, and we're excited to support many more to thrive through the programme."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

You may also be interested in
Related internet links