In special schools, where an holistic approach to education is often prioritised, arts-based education offers far more than a creative outlet for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It has a profound and wide-reaching impact, including fostering confidence, enhancing communication skills and improving motor skills. The arts provide a safe space for students to explore and express emotions, share ideas, practice decision-making, build self-esteem and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Art Bytes, a national art and EdTech programme for year 5 and year 9 pupils, is an initiative that celebrates these achievements, creating opportunities for every young artist, regardless of ability, to shine. In this guest blog, Lucy Byrne, Managing Director of dot-art, shares the story behind Art Bytes’ establishment in 2022 and its mission to celebrate creativity on an equal footing. She highlights how special schools have embraced the programme’s inclusive approach, with many educators noting its positive effect on pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. This year, the programme celebrated a remarkable achievement when a young student from, Helen Allison School, a special school in Kent, was crowned the national primary winner.
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Art has a unique ability to transcend barriers and bring people together, no matter their background or abilities. This belief is at the heart of Art Bytes, an inclusive programme that encourages participation from all children, including those in special schools.
The programme was born out of dot-art’s (the social enterprise I founded in Liverpool in 2006 behind this project) work supporting adult visual artists. An art teacher, frustrated with the sidelining of arts in the curriculum, contacted me back in 2012 to say she had seen the work we do showcasing artwork online and asking whether we had considered doing something similar with children’s art. At the time I had no knowledge of the state of the arts in schools, but quickly discovered just how bad the situation was. I was horrified and determined to work with this teacher to develop a programme that would be high impact for students and light touch for (already overworked) teachers.
In the 12 years that followed, as we all know, the state of arts education in this country has only deteriorated; to the point that arts GCSE entries have now dropped 47% since 2010, primary aged children often get no art teaching at all from one term to another, and there are 20% fewer art teachers in secondary schools since 2010.
After working successfully in the Liverpool City Region and seeing the amazing impact our work was having (100% of teachers said it had improved student’s confidence, 60% said it had increased student’s interest in art and 40% said it had increased student’s interest in working in arts in the future), in 2021 we decided to go national! For a tiny team, this was a big step, but we are all passionate about doing our small part to change attitudes towards the importance of creativity and ensure children and young people receive a well-rounded education which will prepare them for a future world of work which will look very different to that of today.
And so Art Bytes was born. I recruited two ex-teachers to work part-time on the project, supported by our Liverpool schools coordinator one day a week, and it amazes me every day what can be achieved by this dedicated and passionate team.
From day one in Liverpool, we were adamant that not only should SEND schools be part of the programme, but that they should compete on the same terms as every other school; and we have had many wonderful stories over the years about the difference this makes - as well as several SEND winners and runners up! We are committed to ensuring that all young artists are judged on equal footing, with no special considerations, allowing creativity to speak for itself.
Equal opportunity for every young artist
We know that in SEND schools the value of a creative education is truly appreciated (often more so than in mainstream schools), and the impact of art and creativity on students can be dramatic and lasting.
In 2024, we celebrated a remarkable achievement when the National Primary Winner was Kit Powdrill from Helen Allison Primary School, a school known for its dedication to supporting children on the autism spectrum for over 50 years. Kit’s win not only highlights the talent and creativity nurtured at Helen Allison but also embodies the inclusive spirit of Art Bytes, where every child has the chance to shine.
Watch a video of Kit and his teacher here: https://youtu.be/XLKsmG5CbwI
A level playing field
One of the key features of Art Bytes is its inclusive judging process. Every entry, whether from a mainstream school or a SEND setting, is assessed using the same criteria. There are no exceptions or adjustments for different abilities, which ensures that all young people are given an equal opportunity to showcase their talent. Schools appreciate this level playing field, with many SEND educators noting the positive effect it has on their pupils’ self-esteem.
Rachel Davies from West Kirby School & College shared
To see that they are working on a par with what other schools are doing boosts their self-esteem.
This approach fosters a sense of pride in students, as they see their work being considered equally alongside their peers from all backgrounds. It’s a powerful reminder that art is a universal language, one that everyone can speak.
Celebrating creativity together
For many pupils, the highlight of Art Bytes is attending one of our nine regional Celebration Events each June. While it can be a challenging experience for some, especially those with additional needs, many find it to be a boost to their confidence. Teachers often report that their pupils return to school with renewed enthusiasm and engagement in their studies after the event.
As one pupil from Lister Junior School explained:
Since I have ADHD, when I’m stressed out, it calms me down a lot and it’s my hobby. I love colouring and painting.
Art becomes more than just an activity—it’s a therapeutic outlet and a means of self-expression for many.
A lasting impact
Art Bytes not only nurtures creativity but also leaves a lasting impact on the young people who participate. Schools report that after being part of the programme, students show increased confidence and higher levels of classroom engagement. The programme provides a space where creativity and inclusivity thrive together, ensuring that every child, no matter their background or ability, feels valued.
Cheryl Kung from Catcote Academy, an SEND school in Hartlepool said:
The students get really excited about entering the competition. They love the freedom and creativity, as there is no brief.
Watch a video of Cheryl here: https://youtu.be/SWF-q76MTQw
By celebrating achievements like Kit’s, we hope to demonstrate that art is for everyone. It’s a place where all young artists can see their creativity recognised and celebrated, fostering a love for art that transcends any limitations. The art room is not just a place for creating art—it’s about creating opportunities for all young people to shine!
If you would like to find out more and how your school can get involved, please visit: https://artbytes.co.uk/send-and-ap/
About Lucy
Lucy Byrne founded dot-art in 2006 and has grown it into a unique and multifaceted organisation occupying a vital position in the Liverpool City Region’s cultural infrastructure. dot-art operates from a gallery in Liverpool city centre and provides vital support to visual artists as well as running programmes which encourage everyone to value, engage with and participate in visual art. Since 2012 dot-art Schools has engaged over 14,000 children and young people across the region; nurturing creative talent, raising ambition and building confidence. In 2022, dot-art launched Art Bytes, a new national scheme for schools, to deliver these impacts across England.