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All-inclusive musical theatre school set to open

Kayleigh Barker
BBC News, West of England
Reporting fromBBC Wiltshire
BBC New school principle Katie Hankins sits cross legged on the floor with a little boy. Katie wears black leggings and a black t-shirt with 'Kiri Golding Theatre Arts' written on it in white. The little boy wears a light blue top with a collar and dark blue bucket hat that straps around the chin. They are playing with colourful scarves in pink, red and blue. In the hall behind them there is a trampoline and large rubber balls.BBC
Katie Hankins wanted to start the school after noticing there was a lack of Send clubs in Salisbury

An all-inclusive musical theatre school "where everyone is welcome" is opening this autumn.

Hampshire's Kiri Golding Theatre Arts is preparing to launch a new school in Salisbury in September, which will cater for children with a range of disabilities.

Its principle Katie Hankins said she wanted to open the school after noticing there were not many classes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

"It's for anybody, no matter their age, race, culture, disability. We aim to make everyone feel included and part of a community," she added.

For the past year, Ms Hankins has run Send sensory classes from the Old Sarum Community Centre, Salisbury.

Isabel attends the sessions with her eight-year-old son who has Dravet syndrome, which causes him severe seizures.

She welcomes the new theatre school, adding that the current classes make a huge difference to her son's week.

"It's so lovely to find clubs that are accessible. This club and swimming are the only clubs I can list when people ask, what can I do?

"There isn't that much so it's great that there will be more opportunities," she added.

A little boy and his mum sit on wooden floor whilst playing with yellow and purple sheer scarves. The little boy has blonde hair and wears a light blue school polo top. He looks happy. The mother is wearing a dark blue and purple t-shirt with dark blue leggings. She has brown hair and is holding a yellow scarf above her sons head.
Parents welcome the news of a new Send club

Before its official opening in September, Ms Hankins said there will be summer workshops, which will include special guests.

"We've got some West End professionals coming in from the cast of Hercules," she added.

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