The performing arts centre is more than a building – it’s a place where autistic young people with complex needs can explore, express, and connect in meaningful ways.

We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover and develop their voice. For many of the young people we support, traditional forms of communication can be a challenge. The performing arts offer powerful alternative routes for self-expression and emotional release – helping build confidence, communication skills and a sense of identity.

A curriculum built for our learners

That’s why the new performing arts curriculum is such an important development. Designed specifically for the young people at Prior’s Court, it provides a structured yet flexible framework that reflects their individual needs, interests, and learning styles.

The performing arts curriculum has been built from scratch for learners at Prior's Court. Drama, music and dance has always been taught in some form at Prior's Court - with a stronger emphasis on drama since the start of 2024/25 when our Drama teacher Tanya started work at Prior's Court - but the new performing arts curriculum crystalises our methodology, learning steps, and target outcomes with Tanya and arts and autism expert Elise Robinson working together to build the learning programme.

Tanya running a session exploring creating art while listening to different types of music, working with young person Daniel

The curriculum is based on the Sounds of Intent framework, initially a research-based piece of work that focused on music. It looks at how people are reactive, proactive and engaged in different areas - for us, this will be music, dance and drama.

The framework is a really helpful starting point for us, based on its initial target of PMLD needs in mind, and is something we hope to build on.

Young person Zac exploring dressing up in a creative learning session

See what else young people learn at Prior's Court

Centre update: nearing completion

The fit-out phase of the Performing Arts Centre is now in its final stages. Acoustic panels, signage, and an outdoor learning area screen are among the last elements to be installed, bringing the space ever closer to full functionality.

Read more performing arts centre updates

Thank you for supporting our appeal

We are delighted to share that the fundraising appeal for the Performing Arts Centre is now complete. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this transformative space a reality.

See what other appeals we have live