SEND and SEMH schools
At the National Theatre, we make theatre that is entertaining and inspiring. And we make it for everyone. Therefore, we know we need to adapt, develop and be responsive to the needs of all the people we work with.
Read on to discover our programme and how it can be adapted for the best learning experience possible.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss adapting any of our programmes.
Access
The National Theatre aims to be welcoming and accessible to all. We have a range of Access performances available, as well as additional schemes for support such as:
- Audio described performances on stage and online
- Touch tours on stage
- BSL interpreted on stage
- Captioned performances on stage and online
- Chilled, Sensory adapted and Dementia friendly performances on stage
- Wheelchair users, performance and physical access information
- Building and theatre access for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues
- Access Scheme unlocking tickets that offer the best experience for you
The Witches schools workshop and touch tour, 2024
Primary schools
Let's Play primary programme
The Let’s Play programme provides state primary schools across the UK with everything they need to create outstanding theatre and performance and to embed creative learning across the curriculum.
Previous collaborations with SEND/SEMH schools have included working to adapt and abridge plays to support specific needs of groups and CPD on inclusive practice in theatre making.
Secondary schools
New Views
Past adaptations have included bespoke writing resources, partnering with playwright mentors with a specific skillset, additional support staff or resources for sessions or when visiting the theatre.
Connections
To make our productions accessible we have a collaborative process for adapting and abridging the plays to support the different needs of groups. We can provide additional support during the rehearsal process and for the transition to the Partner Theatre festivals.
Watch theatre
The National Theatre Collection
The National Theatre Collection makes the best of British Theatre available worldwide to libraries, schools, universities and the wider education sector. Our unique collection presents high quality recordings of 50 world-class productions, giving you the best seats in the house whenever you want. Free to all UK state schools.
All the plays in the Collection are captioned and there are additional learning resources for each. It may be appropriate to use extracts of plays such as Treasure Island, Peter Pan and Romeo and Juliet with young people exploring performance.
The Witches schools tour touch 2024 photo © Natalie Mitchell
Hamlet workshop 2023 photo © Harry Elletson
Connections 2023 photo © Jimmy Lee
Our funders
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
Access at the National Theatre is supported by The Band Trust, The Lewis Family Charitable Trust and The Stanley Kalms Foundation.
Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim & Sarah Bunting, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust and The Andor Charitable Trust.
More to explore
Schools
Explore our the National Theatre’s offer to primary, secondary, and SEND/SEMH schools.
