The Therapeutic pottery programme Kentish Town City Farm continues to provide transformative creative opportunities for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Funded by the Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust (SJLCT), the programme supports primary school pupils from local Camden schools, helping them develop emotional awareness, self-regulation skills and confidence through guided ceramic art sessions. Because the programme combines therapeutic reflection with hands-on learning, children gain practical tools that support their wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom.
Delivered at Kentish Town City Farm, the initiative offers a structured six-week series of small-group workshops designed specifically for children in Years 2 to 6. Each weekly session lasts one hour and provides a safe, consistent environment where participants explore feelings, creative expression and personal growth. The Therapeutic pottery programme Kentish Town City Farm uses the widely recognised Zones of Regulation framework, enabling children to identify emotions, discuss coping strategies and understand how emotional regulation supports daily life. As a result, pupils begin to develop a “toolbox” of self-regulation skills that they can apply in school, at home and within social settings.
A key component of the programme involves the pottery kiln funded by SJLCT and housed at the farm. The kiln allows children to glaze, fire and complete their artwork, which they then take home as meaningful reminders of their achievements. This tangible outcome strengthens self-esteem and encourages reflection, while also reinforcing the sense of accomplishment gained through participation.
Creative Learning That Builds Confidence and Emotional Resilience
The Therapeutic pottery programme Kentish Town City Farm offers far more than an art activity. Instead, it creates a therapeutic learning environment where children explore emotional expression while strengthening motor skills, concentration and collaboration. Clay work provides a tactile sensory experience that naturally promotes calmness and focus. Consequently, participants often show improved engagement, increased patience and stronger peer relationships during sessions.
The programme is led by Pedro Kalache, a ceramic artist, arts educator and arts psychotherapist with over twenty years of experience supporting mental health through creative practice. His integrative approach combines therapeutic understanding with artistic expertise, ensuring that sessions remain supportive, engaging and developmentally appropriate. Through guided reflection and collaborative activities, children learn to recognise their emotional responses while discovering practical ways to manage them constructively.
Monitoring and evaluation form an essential part of the programme’s delivery. Throughout each six-week cycle, programme staff liaise closely with schools, SENCOs and teaching assistants to track progress and gather feedback. Schools complete evaluation forms at the end of each programme, while children participate in reflective sessions that allow them to share experiences and discuss their personal growth. Termly review meetings with school representatives and SJLCT ensure that the programme continues to evolve in response to children’s needs and outcomes.
Since launching in 2024, the programme has partnered with multiple Camden primary schools and supported hundreds of children. Schools consistently report measurable improvements in emotional vocabulary, behaviour regulation and social engagement. Teachers note increased calmness, improved concentration and stronger cooperation during both sessions and classroom activities. Children frequently demonstrate pride in their completed artworks, while families observe increased confidence and emotional awareness at home.
Supporting Long-Term Wellbeing Through Creative Intervention
Creative engagement plays a vital role in early mental health intervention, and the Therapeutic pottery programme Kentish Town City Farm demonstrates how structured arts programmes can create meaningful change. By providing safe spaces for reflection, experimentation and collaboration, the programme helps children build resilience while strengthening their sense of belonging. Group sessions encourage social interaction, yet they also provide moments of quiet focus and reflection, which can benefit children experiencing anxiety or social challenges.
Through the continued support of the Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust, the programme will expand to reach more schools and children across the Camden community. The combination of therapeutic guidance, sensory learning and creative achievement ensures that participants leave the farm feeling calmer, more confident and better equipped to manage emotional challenges. As the programme grows, it will continue to support young people in developing the emotional skills and confidence needed for long-term wellbeing and success.
