The Art Nest is situated in Orchard Meadow Primary School in Blackbird Leys. Our nurturing, therapeutic room is set up into three different zones, sofa area, kitchen table and the art table. We work with children and young people from the ages of 5 – 11 years old and in the near future we hope to work with families.

Children are referred to sessions for lots of different reasons such as Bereavement, Self-Esteem, Confidence, Finding their voice; the list is endless. 

Children attend for 10 weekly sessions and through that time see the creation of a 3D piece of artwork such as a decorative mirror, bedside table, lamp or cushion from start to finish - sanding, priming, designing, painting and applying decorative finishes. Children are shown the work of professional artists and make their own original designs inspired by them. All pieces are taken home and used every day. We use stories and poems alongside the art projects to open up lots of different conversations, for instance, Anger, Happiness, Friendships, Sadness and “who” they are.

The Art Nest space allows the children and young people to relax in a calm, clean organised room where they can feel listened to, give/have support by the adults, and their peers. Through this support, they can get ideas on what they can do to help themselves with their emotions and feelings and coping strategies. They learn its ok to talk about anything and we encourage them to think of a “safe” person they can talk to.

One of my favourite times is when we look at the children’s and young people’s work at the end of a session and hearing their positive comments about why they like their peers work, we often do this sitting around the kitchen table, eating warm Honey toast and drinking Apple juice.

We always hold a child in mind from session to session and often over many years.

For more information, you can get in touch with me, Clare Keep at [email protected] Instagram  @theartnest21

"It's a wonderful place, if you are feeling sad, coming here helps to calm down" Ellie Year 4