The Piper Arts Centre has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 academic year - its first full year open - with every young person supported by Prior’s Court stepping into the new facility and taking part in a creative session.

Since September, every young person has stepped foot inside the Piper Arts Centre building to be involved in a session, after sessions were included in everyone’s timetable, ensuring everyone has been able to experience and benefit from the new space.

Prior’s Court supports autistic young people with complex needs, and the environment of the Piper Arts Centre is already proving to be a valuable addition. Staff report that the setting offers a space for freedom and creativity, while also providing an environment for young people to sustain focus and explore their interests for longer periods.

Some individual success stories include:

• Young adult Levi discovering a real love and passion for dance
• Ryan’s creativity when it comes to making his own dance routines
• Fleming House young people going from having sessions which were highly-focused on each individual to being able to participate together as a group
• William coming out of his shell to engage and enjoy sessions

Young people are currently being supported towards creating a Christmas production in December, based on The Polar Express.

Co-Performing Arts Leads Tanya Morgan and Elise Robinson said: “We’re learning still. And it is the young people who are teaching us something new.

“We are adapting and refining how we run sessions, responding to what works best for each individual and group. Sessions are structured but there is some flexibility in that structure.

“Staff engagement has been a real highlight, as Autism Practitioners are also losing those inhibitions we all develop around performing and so modelling participation and enthusiasm with the young people. This really helps with strengthening relationships with these young people through shared experiences.”

A new music teacher will be joining the team shortly, working two days a week to further enhance the creative opportunities available.

The Piper Arts Centre was developed to provide a dedicated, purpose-built environment for the arts at Prior’s Court. Designed to give autistic young people the space, structure and sensory consideration needed to express themselves through music, drama and movement, the centre was created as part of the organisation’s commitment to expanding creative learning opportunities and supporting communication through the arts.

The Piper Arts Centre was only made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, whose support has helped transform creative opportunities for autistic young people with complex needs.

Find out more about Piper Arts Centre