LBN Improving outcomes for children in care through dance

This is a market test and not an invitation to tender. Newham Council would like to hear from organisations who demonstrable experience in working with children in care from a professional therapeutic background. Newham Council is ambitious for our children. We are exploring new and innovative ways to engage and support the growing number of children in care coming into care exposed to adverse experiences and trauma. Newham is seeking a specialist dance organisation who can creatively support young people to express themselves in safe and restorative environment. As a systemic practicing organisation, we are seeking Suppliers with a thorough understanding of our practice model and social work practices who can relate to the experiences of children in care. In addition to qualified dance professionals, teachers and support staff will need to be trained in trauma-informed approaches and have significant experience of working with children and young people in care within a therapeutic capacity.

As a Council, we'd like to be able to engage children from a care background to participate in regular dance activity and support the following outcomes: • Engagement in an exciting and relevant dance programme across dance genres for children in care • Build a consistent and trusted relationship with children in care to support their feelings and emotional wellbeing from a therapeutic base • Develop the ability to work successfully in a group environment and form positive attachments with peers and mentors • Provide a safe space for children in care to safely express themselves with the support of a qualified specialist • Build self-confidence and improve the emotional resilience and physical well-being of Children in Care • Improve education engagement and attainment in school/college • Promote employment opportunities and experience • Foster a strong peer network through organising additional social activities in a format relevant to them within the community • Promote opportunities for social integration • Be fully conversant with safeguarding duties and management of disclosures to support children in care. We anticipate this to be a 12 month programme with a possible extension of a further 12 months depending on performance and available funding.

Additional information: We would like to hear from organisations who have experience in this area of provision. We are particularly interested in hearing from organisations with demonstrable experience in working with children in care from a professional therapeutic background.

If you feel that your organisation has the ability and experience to help us deliver the above objectives please complete the registration form and send to [email protected] by 14th August 2022 at 5pm