The CREATE Centre is a Lancashire County Council accredited Alternative Provision that uses creative practice to help re-engage young people who are finding mainstream education challenging. Through structured visual arts activities, we offer a safe, supportive and inclusive space where learners can grow in confidence, develop new skills, and reconnect with a sense of purpose.
We work with young people aged 11–16 who are not currently able to access or remain in mainstream education due to SEMH needs, attendance concerns, risk of exclusion, or additional learning needs.
Our currciulum is delivered through a 6-week introductory relationship building programme, followed by a 12-week skills development programme. This structure places equal importance on personal growth and creative progress. Across both programmes, young people are encouraged to express themselves creatively, strengthen communication and social interaction skills, and move towards positive next steps in education, training, or employment
Introduction to Visual Arts
A flexible 6-day creative course designed to re-engage young people through fun, hands-on visual arts experiences. Learners are introduced to a range of artistic techniques in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-expression.
The programme focuses on rebuilding positive relationships with learning, improving attendance and engagement, and developing confidence and self-esteem. It provides a gentle stepping stone for young people to rediscover their strengths and prepare for future education and progression opportunities.
Check out one of our learners journeys from the Introduction to Visual Arts programme below. In this project, a learner created “Lord Bibblesloth” – an imaginative monster made using collage and paint, before bringing it to life through photography and filmmaking.
Beyond the Classroom
A structured 12-week progression programme, delivered two days per week, designed as the next step for young people ready to build on their creative experience and develop key skills for future pathways.
Participants work towards the Arts Award Bronze qualification, a nationally recognised award that celebrates creativity and supports personal development, alongside embedded functional skills in literacy, numeracy, and communication.
Learners work on longer-term, portfolio-based projects that develop both creative practice and essential life skills. Through a supportive and structured environment, they explore a range of visual arts techniques, take part in visits to local exhibitions, explore the work of an inspiring artist or creative practitioner, and develop their own independent arts project.
This programme is focused on progression, helping young people build confidence, develop resilience, and gain recognised outcomes that support their next steps into education, training, employment, or further creative opportunities.
