Inclusive circus skills workshops for children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
eclipseArts provides tailored circus skills workshops for schools, community groups and organisations across Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, South Wales and the wider South West.
Our SEND circus workshops are built around the people taking part. We adapt the activities, equipment, pace and level of support to suit different abilities, helping participants develop new skills while having fun and working together.
If you’re looking for a broader circus skills workshop for schools, events or community groups, you can see our full range of circus workshop options here.
What Are SEND Circus Workshops?
SEND circus workshops are inclusive, practical sessions where children, young people and adults can learn circus skills in a supportive and non-competitive environment.
Rather than expecting everyone to learn the same skill in the same way, eclipseArts adapts activities and equipment according to the needs and abilities of the group. Participants can try different circus skills, develop coordination, work with others and experience the achievement of learning something new.
The main objective is simple: to have fun while learning and developing new and existing skills.
eclipseArts has extensive practical experience adapting circus activities for groups with a wide range of additional needs, including:
- Autism
- ADD and ADHD
- Deaf and hearing-impaired participants
- Blind and visually impaired participants
- Reduced mobility
- Wheelchair users
- People with physical impairments
- Groups with different levels of physical and learning ability
We are happy to discuss the specific needs of your group before the workshop so that we can create an appropriate programme.
How Do We Adapt Circus Workshops for SEND Groups?
Every group is different, so we don’t rely on a rigid programme.
Activities and equipment can be adapted according to the abilities, confidence and needs of the participants. The session can also be structured around the venue, group size and amount of support available from staff and support workers.
Although Tom can lead workshops for large groups, having staff available to assist and encourage participants can make the learning experience even more effective.
Before the session, we can discuss:
- The age and number of participants
- The needs and abilities within the group
- Physical or mobility considerations
- Sensory considerations
- The available space
- The number of staff or support workers available
- The length and structure of the school or event day
- Which circus activities are likely to be most suitable
This allows us to create a structured programme rather than simply delivering the same workshop to every group.
What Circus Skills Can Participants Learn?
Depending on the group and the space available, SEND workshops can include a range of circus skills.
Diabolo
Participants can learn the basic techniques involved in controlling and balancing a diabolo. Diabolo activities require sufficient ceiling height, so they are generally better suited to a gymnasium or larger hall.
Flower Stick
Flower sticks provide an accessible introduction to object manipulation and coordination. Activities can be adapted to different levels of ability.
Juggling Balls and Scarves
Juggling activities can be introduced progressively, beginning with simple throwing, catching and tracking exercises before developing more advanced skills.
Plate Spinning
Plate spinning gives participants the opportunity to work on balance, timing and coordination while learning a skill that can be demonstrated to others.
Peacock Feather Balancing
Balancing a feather provides a simple way to explore concentration, balance and control.
Comedy Slapstick
Where appropriate for the group, comedy slapstick can be included as part of the workshop, giving participants another opportunity to work together and perform.
Benefits of SEND Circus Workshops
Circus activities can provide opportunities to develop physical coordination, concentration, confidence, teamwork and individual skills. The non-competitive nature of circus can also allow participants to focus on their own progress rather than comparing their performance with others.
eclipseArts will adapt activities according to the needs and abilities of each group rather than assuming that every participant should work towards the same outcome.
We will be developing more detailed resources about the specific benefits of circus skills for SEND participants, including individual areas of development and different ways circus activities can support inclusive learning.
For an overview of the wider benefits of circus skills, see our benefits of circus skills page.
Building Confidence Through Circus Skills
One of the most rewarding parts of a circus workshop is seeing participants achieve something they initially thought they could not do.
Circus skills are learned through practice. Dropping a ball, losing balance or missing a catch is simply part of learning the skill. Participants can try again, make progress and eventually demonstrate what they have learned.
The final performance can give participants a genuine sense of achievement. Where appropriate, everyone has the opportunity to show their new skills and talents at the end of the workshop.
“Tom built up a great rapport with all the groups he worked with and helped people learn new skills, achieve things they didn’t think possible and feel good about themselves.”
Circus Skills, Coordination and Motor Skills
Many circus activities involve repeated movements that require concentration, timing and coordination.
Juggling, for example, requires participants to track objects visually while coordinating their hands and body. Balancing activities involve concentration and control, while activities such as plate spinning and flower stick work require participants to coordinate movement with visual feedback.
For SEND groups, these activities can be adapted so that participants work at a level appropriate to their abilities.
The emphasis is not on competition. It is on participation, practice and individual progress.
For a broader look at how circus activities can support physical, social and learning outcomes, visit the eclipseArts benefits of circus skills page.
A Non-Competitive Approach to Physical Activity
Traditional sports are not suitable or enjoyable for every child or young person.
Circus skills offer a different type of physical activity. Activities can often be modified to accommodate different abilities, allowing participants to work individually, in pairs or as a group.
Group activities can also encourage teamwork, trust and skill-sharing. The aim is for everyone to have something they can participate in and develop.
SEND Circus Workshops for Schools
eclipseArts can work with schools to create a structured programme across the school day.
If you provide the number of classes or groups, the number of pupils in each group and your timetable, including start times, breaks, lunch and the end of the day, we can devise a structured programme for your Senior Leadership Team.
Workshops can be delivered in:
- Schools
- Gyms
- School halls
- Community centres
- Other suitable indoor venues
- Outdoor grassed areas, where appropriate
A large indoor space such as a gymnasium or hall is preferable.
Classrooms can be suitable for many activities, although diabolo requires additional height. Outdoor workshops can also work on grassed areas, although wind can make some circus skills more difficult to learn.
To explore eclipseArts’ wider range of school and event options, visit our main circus skills workshops page.
What Equipment Do You Need?
eclipseArts brings the circus equipment required for the workshop.
Depending on the programme, this can include:
- Diabolos
- Flower sticks
- Juggling balls
- Juggling scarves
- Peacock feathers
- Spinning plates
- Comedy slapstick equipment
Equipment can be selected and adapted according to the needs and abilities of the group.
Who Can Take Part?
eclipseArts can adapt SEND circus workshops for different ages and abilities, from young children through to young adults and adults.
The appropriate activities depend on the individual group rather than simply their age.
If you are unsure whether a circus workshop would be suitable for your group, contact us before booking. We can discuss the participants, their needs, the venue and what you would like them to get from the session.
How Many People Can Attend?
eclipseArts can accommodate different group sizes.
We can work with groups as small as 10 people for private events and with school programmes involving up to 250 pupils across a full day.
For larger school groups, we can use your timetable to structure the day into appropriate sessions.
What Should a Venue Provide?
For most SEND circus workshops, a large indoor space such as a gymnasium or school hall is ideal.
Before booking, consider:
- The size of the available space
- Ceiling height
- Safe access around the activity area
- Wheelchair accessibility
- The needs of participants with reduced mobility
- Suitable space for staff and support workers
- Whether an outdoor grassed area is available as an alternative
If your venue has particular accessibility requirements, discuss these with us before the workshop so that we can determine how the session can be adapted.
Where Does eclipseArts Provide SEND Circus Workshops?
eclipseArts is based near Bristol and provides circus workshops across:
- Bristol
- Bath
- Somerset
- Gloucestershire
- Wiltshire
- Dorset
- Devon
- South Wales
- The wider South West and UK
Travel outside Bristol is charged at £0.50 per mile.
Why Choose eclipseArts for a SEND Circus Workshop?
eclipseArts has been delivering circus skills workshops since 1996, working with schools, charities, community groups and other organisations across the region.
Our approach is based on practical experience of working with different groups and adapting circus activities to the people taking part.
You are not expected to know in advance which equipment or activities will work best for your group. We can discuss the needs of the participants beforehand and use that information to structure the workshop.
The focus is on:
- Inclusion
- Individual progress
- Skill development
- Coordination
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Participation
- Having fun
To see examples of eclipseArts’ experience delivering different types of circus activities, visit our past work page or browse our circus workshop photo gallery.
You can also find out more about eclipseArts and our experience before getting in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEND Circus Workshops
Are SEND circus workshops suitable for autistic children?
Yes. eclipseArts has experience adapting circus activities for children and young people with autism. We can discuss the needs of your group beforehand and adapt the equipment, activities and pace of the session accordingly.
Can wheelchair users take part in a circus workshop?
Yes. eclipseArts has experience working with wheelchair users and participants with reduced mobility. Activities can be adapted according to individual abilities, and venue accessibility should be discussed before booking.
Can children with ADHD take part?
Yes. eclipseArts has experience working with children with ADD and ADHD. Activities can be adapted to the group and participants can work through different circus skills at an appropriate pace.
Do SEND circus workshops have to be competitive?
No. The workshops focus on participation, learning and individual progress rather than competition. Participants can develop skills at their own level and work together to learn and share new skills.
What happens at the end of the workshop?
Where appropriate, participants have the opportunity to demonstrate the circus skills they have learned. This can provide a strong sense of achievement and gives the group a chance to celebrate what they have accomplished.
How much space is needed?
A large indoor space such as a gymnasium or school hall is preferable. Some activities can be delivered in a classroom, although diabolo requires more ceiling height. Outdoor workshops can take place on grass, although wind can affect some activities.
Can you design a programme for a whole school?
Yes. If you provide the number of classes, number of pupils in each group and your school timetable, eclipseArts can devise a structured programme for the day.
How do I find out if a workshop is suitable for my group?
Contact eclipseArts and explain the age, number and needs of the participants, together with details of the venue. We can discuss the requirements with you before the workshop and determine how the activities can be adapted.
How far does eclipseArts travel?
eclipseArts is based near Bristol and works across Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, South Wales and the wider South West. Travel outside Bristol is charged at £0.50 per mile.
Book a SEND Circus Workshop
If you’re looking for an inclusive circus workshop for a school, community group or organisation, get in touch with eclipseArts.
Tell us about your group, your venue and what you would like the participants to experience. We can then discuss the most suitable circus skills and create a workshop programme around your needs.
Tom Makin
eclipseArts
Telephone: 07770 568311
Email: tom@eclipsearts.co.uk