"Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas, themselves, and to explore what is possible."

 

- MaryAnn F Kohl- 

What we do

 

Art55 is a Wiltshire Council approved alternative provision situated in a rural area just outside Melksham. We offer a low-demand, child-centred learning environment where children and young people aged 9 to 18 years can express their individual thoughts and ideas through the exploration of different art and craft materials and processes. 

 

Our sessions provide opportunities for learners to work alone or collaboratively, developing 

communication and problem-solving skills, whilst building confidence and raising self-esteem. Group sizes are kept small with a maximum of three learners per session. 

 

The aim of Art55 is to promote social and emotional wellbeing, and equip learners with valuable, transferable skills to support re-engagement with education and help them thrive. 

 

The sessions take place in a well-equipped art and craft room which has been thoughtfully designed to be a calm and welcoming space. Learners can participate in a range of art and craft activities which include: drawing, painting, sculpture, modelling clay, gel plate printing, mosaic, sewing, fabric painting, felt-making, lino-printing, seasonal crafts and more!

 

At Art55, we believe in a patient and positive approach to learning; children and young people are encouraged to explore and experiment with different materials, where unplanned outcomes are often part of the process. This helps to foster resilience and adaptability, whilst developing practical skills. It is also a fun and creative way to improve fine motor skills and social skills, and encourage risk-taking, decision-making and inventiveness. 

 

 

 

Who we are

 

Becca is a qualified teacher with a wealth of experience teaching and supporting children and young people with a wide range of SEND and SEMH needs, following seven years teaching in a local secondary special school.

 

She holds a degree in creative arts and a master's degree in fine art, and continues to be interested and inspired by traditional arts and crafts, as well as the contemporary art scene.

 

She has always loved drawing and making, and prior to teaching in schools, ran her own business as a stained glass artist. She is an advocate of lifelong learning and has often enjoyed sharing and promoting the transformative benefits of arts and crafts. 

 

Becca has a calm and inclusive approach and a thorough understanding of autism-friendly and trauma-informed practices.