Storytelling In Your Area - South East England: 2016

In 2016 we organised the following multi-sensory storytelling sessions:

Arbour Vale School, Slough. 01/12/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 31 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "It was very sensory and engaging and all students regardless of ability could participate. One child - she doesn't usually listen to stories - was engaged and smiling [In the longer term] If continued they can interact more than usual."
• "All the students were engaged and calm. Everything was good."
• "All of the children sustained attention levels and high levels of interaction with the story props, and were fascinated by the novelty of the story, [the Storyteller's] voice and the sound effects. Thought the session was well paced, interactive and appropriate for our PMLD pupils and [the Storyteller] was great (and I thought the story props were superb!) M made talkative sounds when [the Storyteller] was talking like the mum in the story. K liked the door slamming and smiled during the noisy chant: "Don't make a mess!" N kept touching the textured resources. [In the longer term this will help] encourage sustained listening and in-depth knowledge of certain stories with repetitive language."
• "Improved their attention skills and senses. Better than I expected. e.g. visual impairment student tracking sensory material. e.g. ASD student smiling towards the new person. [In the longer term this will help with] tactile and visual awareness. They were very vocal during the story - literacy skills (speaking and listening)."
• "It was good to improve their listening and attention skills, feel different textures, listen to different sounds, etc. I think it was great. Three students really enjoyed listening and having positive reactions to all the props. [In the longer term] it will improve their listening and attention, communication and language, and literacy skills. There are very sensory children - this is how they learn."

Abbey Court School, Gillingham. 29/11/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 37 children with severe learning disabilities. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and two as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "Good use of props and sound to enhance storytelling. Many of the pupils were able to wait their turn longer than anticipated. [In the longer term this will] help their interaction skills."
• "New sensory experiences in a new environment. Good listening and interaction from two pupils."
• "They were all really engaged in the story due to the storyteller's enthusiasm and the wide range of resources used. The resources made the story accessible for all pupils. One pupil finds it difficult to sit for extended periods of time, but sat for the whole 30 minutes, really engaged. It will help them further develop their communication skills, e.g. requesting 'more', making choices, stating descriptions."
• "All the participants enjoyed taking part. One pupil pulled the rope to raise the flag and got very excited. [In the longer term this will help with] increased awareness and participation."
• "They loved the multi-sensory story, the bangs and smells and all smiled and participated. Very appropriately pitched. [It would have been better with] less pupils - 6 or less. One pupil loved the banging door and laughed hysterically. All pupils smiled. [In the longer term this will help with] sensory stimulation, interaction and beneficial communication avenues opened."
• "They all loved the interactive way the two stories were told. Each child was given the opportunity to join in. [The Storyteller] was very animated and included all the children during the session.  [In the longer term this will help with a] better understanding of books and literacy. Encourage good sitting and concentration."

Milestone Academy, Longfield. 25/11/16

Our Storyteller ran seven multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 57 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from seven teachers who judged that all of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Six rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "Every child loved the story. [The Storyteller] kept all the children and staff engaged. This is exactly the type of activity Zebra class love as they are in wheelchairs and can access all. Everything excellent. One of the students who is normally hard to engage laughed and smiled and vocalised the whole way through. Because they were so engaged they will take everything from this session. They were so happy and comfortable with the storyteller."
• "Students were all able to access the stories through tactile resources. All students engaged and wanted more. Longer session needed! Much more engaged than just reading a story. Can plan for sensory needs now I have seen the reactions to sensory/ tactile resources."
• "Very multi-sensory so supported each child. Repetition of language was very good. The children really enjoyed but would have been lovely to have a longer session. [The Storyteller] was brilliant and did well in time given. D was very focussed and loved the vibrating sea urchin. Children enjoyed all the senses being addressed and each child responded to the stories. It will be good to see anticipation and excitement of pupils as they begin to become familiar with all aspects of the stories. For our class that will take a term of weekly use."
• "High level of engagement. Sensory and motivating items. [The Storyteller] understood our children. Fast pace and involved all children. All class really engaged which is difficult for a lot of the group. All group were keen to access story cards. It has inspired the teachers and engaged the children."
• "All children engaged and interacted with story. [It would have helped if it was a] smaller group - not two classes together. One child who is hard to engage was actively listening as well as being involved with the sensory parts. [In the longer term this will help with the] use of stories in class."
• "All students were engaged and looking throughout. Following and reaching out for props. It was amazing. A little girl and boy who are normally very passive became very vocal and touched props, independently reaching out etc. Children that are on generic skills (p4 and lower) initiated interaction and exploration which is massive within their developmental journey."
• "It was a lovely experience for all my students. They could all take part and were fully engaged. An absolutely lovely session, thank you. Two sensory children in the class can be tactile defensive so it was lovely to see them touching all the boards. [In the longer term this will] benefit all areas of learning. Can adapt to all topics."

The Walnuts School, Milton Keynes. 14/11/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 44 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from four teachers who judged that all bar four of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Three rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "It was hands-on and they could join in. It was a good pace and kept them interested. They got very excited when they saw the object. [In the longer term this will help with] keeping them interested in stories and storytelling."
• "The story was very visual and sensory which allowed the children to engage and participate. A slightly smaller group would have enabled our children to remain focussed as waiting for turns can be a challenge. The session was great at developing the children's sitting and attention skills.  It would be beneficial to the children to engage them in more of these sessions as it was a well-structured opportunity for sensory exploration and imaginative storytelling."
• "The children enjoyed being involved in the storytelling experience. I think the experience was great. Maybe it would have helped to know the books in advance to choose the most motivating books for the children. All of the children were engaged and wanted to take part. I have a child with very high anxiety levels and he enjoyed exploring all of the props. [In the longer term] they will be more willing to explore a variety of textures and they will be more willing to listen to stories."
• "They enjoyed copying the musical instruments.  J sat through all the session."

St George's School, Newport. 08/11/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 31 children with profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all bar one of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "Age appropriate stories using a multi-sensory approach meaning all students could engage. Possibly quieter voice could be used for noise sensitive ASD students to help engagement. Most interacted more with the objects on the boards than expected. [In the longer term this will help with] bringing the group together to share an activity and acquisition of topical language through a story."
• "Ideal for sensory students. Story was short but exciting. Students were engaged throughout. One student allowed the storyteller to use objects to touch which he normally doesn't like. May help students to remember significant parts of the story."
• "Very interactive and sensory orientated. The Storyteller took time to explain and feel objects related to story. It was fab. All enjoyed it the same. Some students very interactive. They will look forward to more sensory stories."
• "They enjoyed the stories - those with lower cognitive ability seemed to respond well to the media. One of the higher functioning students was a little scared by the concept of their hair being cut and withdrew from the activity. Sometimes it was a bit 'fly swatting' and some students may have benefitted more from one-to-one. Longer time to process and explore. [It could have been] more multi-sensory, e.g. bubbles and water for the story about the sea, sound effects, etc. When I've used these stories in the past I've used them one-to-one with students, and adapted them to be more multi-sensory. The turtle shell was bizarre - it should be hard and textured. The resources are ok if you have good vision, but not so good for those with poor vision or visual processing. I hope you don't find this too negative. I have been making sensory stories for 20 years and have a teaching qualification in multi-sensory impairment. One student interacted better than expected. He listened well, got excited and handled the objects keenly and with interest. Two interacted less than they normally would due to speed of delivery and less time to explore in a more structured, individual way. Perhaps as our students are older, to use in a more 'social story' way e.g. going to the hairdresser's story, as a precursor to a visit to the hairdresser's - but without the drama! The idea of the story being 'scary', e.g. showing loosing hair can be upsetting for some students - they don't all get the humour."
• "They were all engaged. Participated willingly and were thoroughly enthralled by it. Perhaps a longer session. They were very animated and those quieter characters were quite happy to participate. [In the longer term this will help with] inclusion and appropriate interaction."

Great Oaks School, Southampton. 07/11/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 40 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all bar four of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "Children were able to respond to stimuli. They had enjoyable session. Some children laughed more than ever."
• "Some of the students find it hard to participate in activities - all engaged with the Bag Books storyteller. It was good for the whole class to be supportive of each other joining in. The session was excellently run and a good length for the students. One student rarely will touch items in sensory stories - reached out and spoke, repeating words of storyteller. Some students find it hard to wait for turns but the storyteller was so engaging that one student managed the whole session without saying "Me next"! It was good to be able to watch how the students interacted with the story props and having props on boards was a good idea for them to be able to be easy to handle for all. My students will benefit from me realising the importance of sensory experiences for some students not perceived as sensory. Some students found it hard but it helped them have new experiences and see not everything is scary.
• "Several of the students really enjoyed the session. The storyteller was very animated and engaging. The multi-sensory elements were engaging. Our class has a very broad range of need and ability. Two or three of our pupils with higher ability still really enjoyed and found it funny. I will feed back to their tutor. It may be worthwhile incorporating some multi-sensory stories into their reading sessions where possible."
• "They all loved the nature of delivery. Joined in with props and loved the different sensory elements. Two persons with ADHD didn't move for the whole session; [from their] faces they were all clearly loving it. They will enjoy story sessions even more."
• "All students engaged and loved the structured, energetic story and the resources with it. Perfect - thank you!! One student who previously had behaviour issues before the session started, calmed down and was fully engaged and waited for her turn - something rare in class! Wish you could come back every day!"

Oakley School - Secondary Site, Tunbridge Wells. 03/11/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 34 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "They really enjoyed participating in the story. Lots of laughter. All were happy to experience the multi-sensory items and role play. They were chatting about the ghost train all the way back to class. All were engaged and were active in the session. One was able to voice his feelings regarding ghost trains. It has shown them how engaging stories can be."
• "Everyone enjoyed the session. All happy to participate. Very good sensory for all. Plenty of laughter all round. It got everyone involved. All were participating in the session. Sharing own opinions. It gave them the chance to get involved and build confidence. It gets everyone involved together. Makes them happy. I'm sure they will be talking about it for the rest of the day."
• "All children thoroughly enjoyed the story - they were all laughing and taking part. Lovely to watch their faces! It was fantastic! All really engaged. One really came out of himself - enjoying it much more than expected! They learned how exciting stories can be - they were all relaxed and able to express their feelings during the stories (facially/verbally)."
• "[The session helped with] taking part in the story, taking turns to use items. [I was surprise to see] one child smiling when seeing their reflection. They all recognised themselves in the mirror. [In the longer term this will help] involve the non-verbal students in storytelling."
• "The hands-on tactile prompts helped them to understand the story. Maybe words as well to understand the story. They really liked touching the sensory objects!
• "[The session helped with] sensory experience, word recognition, following sequence of story. All participants fully engaged. [In the longer term this will help with] enjoying stories generally."

Booker Park Community School, Aylesbury. 02/11/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 48 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from eight teachers who judged that all bar three of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All eight rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "They were all very engaged. They were interested in the props [the Storyteller] brought to them. Some of the children were laughing and giggling. They reacted, smelt and touched all the objects. M is hard to engage but during the session he reached and touched everything."
• "Our children were watching and anticipating [the Storyteller] telling each part of the story. Both children were captivated by the storyteller and props."
• "Good visual and tactile props. Easy story to follow. Key language but age appropriate to all. [I was surprised that they] reached out to props being presented by a 'stranger'. It showed their capabilities and will show staff how easy it is to tell a simple story."
• "They loved the clear delivery. They could access the whole session which is great for PMLD. Clear signing: fish, pig, horse. Clear action to smell. Lots of smiling. [In the longer term this will help with] expansion of language, social awareness. hand function, development of all senses."
• "They enjoyed the multi-sensory approach with each being able to have a turn at touching, smelling, etc. It was interactive, repetitive, and the storyteller was very animated. [I was surprised to see that] two or three children were very interactive and keen to see what was next. Lots of anticipation and giggles. I think today showed how much of a benefit the children get from including sensory aspects. I think using sensory objects helps the children's understanding of vocabulary and actions."
• "[The session helped] to engage with an unfamiliar adult in an unfamiliar setting. Even those who could not sit to attend could engage with the sensory props."
• "Great looking, reaching, attending. [In the longer term this will help with] concentration activities."

Ellenorlions Centre, Dartford. 03/08/16

Our Storyteller ran multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 4 children.

The Community Link, Basingstoke. 30/06/16, 14/07/16, 28/07/16

There were a total of 18 adult participants across the three sessions. There were four trainees: three rated the overall project as "5/5 - Very Good" and one as "4/5 - Good". One added, "Very Good and informative." Another commented, "I love it. I can't wait to start the stories and be able to share with staff and clients who have not seen it yet."

Audleys Resource Centre, Basingstoke. 30/06/16, 14/07/16, 28/07/16

There were a total of 15 adult participants across the three sessions. There were four trainees who all rated the overall project as "5/5 - Very Good". One added, "Very Good" Another commented, "I have been surprised at the scope and level of the books."

Bardwell School, Bicester. 04/07/16

Our Storyteller ran seven multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 39 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from four teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Three rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "All the students enjoyed the session and were engaged throughout. The stories were appropriate for the needs of the class. Enjoyable session."
• "Amazing. It was tailored to meet the needs of all children and [the Storyteller] quickly became aware of this. Highly inclusive and delivered enthusiastically. Thank you."
• "It was nice to have different stories. You remembered everyone's names. Thank you for your enthusiasm."
• "Stories too young for us."

Manor Green College, Crawley. 28/06/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 32 students with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all bar one of the students in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "The Storyteller was extremely enthusiastic which made it engaging for students. Stories had good themes for our students to enjoy at their level."
• "The children were very engaged and the storyteller was animated and energetic"
• "Fantastic. [The Storyteller] involved all the students. They were totally engaged throughout. They thoroughly enjoyed and the staff did too. [He] instantly gauged the students levels . Thank you."
• "[The Storyteller] was very good, he was able to keep my students engaged and captivated - a rare thing most of the time. Very good storyteller."
• "It was a really good session. Students were really engaged. Storyteller was very good, great pace and didn't rush them."

Camp Simcha, Thame. 07/06/16

Our Storyteller ran multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of nine children.

Royal Alex Children's Hospital, Brighton. 10/05/16

Our Storyteller ran multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 11 children. The teacher judged that all of the children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling and rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. They commented "Feedback from the families & children that [the Storyteller] visited was very positive indeed. One of the parents told me that it brightened up an otherwise very difficult day, providing distraction & an escape from reality – exactly the way stories should do. One of the young children that he visited was profoundly autistic and hadn’t made eye contact with anyone for a long time according to his Mum. Dad was able to gain his attention & a few precious moments of ‘joint attention’ – key for learning. That child’s Mum was overwhelmed and really excited about the prospect of similar stories in the future."

Manor Green School, Maidenhead. 28/04/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 41 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "The stories were brilliant and our storyteller was fantastic. The students really engaged in both stories."
• "Children were engaged throughout. Very accessible for a range of needs, communication levels, and levels of interaction."
• "All students were engaged in the story. [The Storyteller] involved all the students throughout the storytelling. There was a variety of props to support the story which [he] encouraged all the students to use. Great interaction."
• "The story was very interactive and the pupils loved it."
• "The storyteller was really good, confident, and patient. Both him and the props were amazing and all of our children really enjoyed both of the stories told. Thanks."

Palatine School, Worthing. 20/04/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 39 children with profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all 39 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "Excellent session. I look forward to using the resources left for us and also will begin to adapt my sensory stories to use a similar format with pages. Thank you."
• "Impressed he met needs of our students so well i.e. aware one had no vision. We all engaged ourselves very much - thank you!"
• "All of the children loved and were well engaged in the stories. Beautifully told."
• "The children were fully engaged and enjoyed the story. Despite the huge ability range and ages they were all able to participate at their appropriate levels. I enjoyed it too!"

Shepherds Down School, Winchester. 21/03/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 46 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all bar one of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "Excellent storytelling. All but one child was very interested (that one child was not well). Very good use of props, and giving children time to process sensory information. Very enjoyable!"
• "Woodpeckers Class thoroughly enjoyed their storytime! They were animated and engaged throughout and enjoyed being able to actively participate in the story by operating or touching the storyboards. During circle time after the session, Woodpeckers were able to retell the stories they heard and told of their favourite props and sounds. A great story time enjoyed by all. Thank you from Woodpeckers."
• "Absolutely fantastic! The children were captivated and engaged throughout the stories. The stories were well-paced and appropriate for the children's levels."
• "Brilliant. All the children really enjoyed the two stories. They enjoyed the pirate story best."

Endeavour Academy, Oxford. 18/03/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 23 children (the entire school) with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from four teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "The session was fantastic. Also really good development opportunity for staff - we will be using lots of the ideas in class and has helped us to understand how to use the "book bag" resources better. Thank you very much!"
• "We do sensory story 3 times a week, so students familiar with format. Students were reluctant at first due to venue and change of routine, but they enjoyed the experience and were very engaged. It's a nice way for them to share an experience together."
• "Thanks! A tremendous storyteller. Very sensitive to students' needs."

Portesbery School, Camberley. 15/03/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 32 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All six rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "Great engagement for all learners including those who find it very difficult to concentrate and join in activities."
• "Excellent! Engaged all learners at one point or another."
• "Fantastic session. [The Storyteller] used varied tones when telling a story and kept all students engaged throughout. Allowed good processing time and interacted with students at their level. Highly recommended."
• "Lovely. Thank you. All students engaged and participating. Please come again."
• "A fantastic session for all our students. They all remained engaged throughout and continued talking about it when we returned to the classroom. Great choice of stories and very engaging props."

Torfield School, Hastings. 10/03/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 37 children with severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all 37 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "Really lovely, well levelled and interactive stories. Kept all the children focused. Lots of laughter and interaction. Great! Encouraged signing and talking (especially for our less verbal). Thank you."
• "Lovely to see the children all laughing at the stories. Wonderful storyteller!"
• "Lovely well-planned stories that were at the right level for our children in 2P. All of the children enjoyed and engaged with the storyteller and the activities. The storyteller has given all of the adults some great ideas which we could use."
• "Great use of sensory materials to aid narrative. Appropriate level - highly interactive. Focused and enthusiastic response from pupils. Storyteller read to pupils well and responded immediately to heightened anxiety. Great props - great storytelling voice - highly enjoyable experiences for staff and pupils. Many thanks!"
• "Children very engaged. Good sensory objects. Children really enjoyed the stories."

Manor Green Primary School, Crawley. 04/03/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 44 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all bar two of the 44 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All six rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "Our children really enjoy the Bag Books. We access them every week via Crawley Library and these books have definitely aided our children's progress. Our only negative is that we wish you could produce more wonderful stories each year!"
• "Wonderful props."
• "Engaging and enthusiastic storyteller. Signing need to enhance understanding. Lovely resources. Applicable for all children."
• "[The Storyteller] really engaged with each individual child and with the group as a whole. The children sat really well throughout the whole story which shows how engaged they were - needing little or no adult support. Props and storytelling very good for our level of children."
• "Good - nice and slow - really engaged all of the children individually. Great use - appealing to all senses."
• "Fantastic storytelling. [The Storyteller] was very enthusiastic. Kept all the children entertained and sitting for the whole story. The children were involved which they all enjoyed. Brilliant. Thank you."

Osborne School, Winchester. 03/03/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 46 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder.

Riverside School, Beckenham. 26/02/16

A Build-A-Book day involving seven children with severe autism spectrum disorders. The teacher commented,“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for inspiring our lovely children today, we really enjoyed the story, and all the different things we did making the book. From painting, to drilling the bunting.. To see our children all working together, was beautiful. To see the end book made, and having the story read to us with the sensory pages, our children really did enjoy it.. To see there faces light up with the excitement is priceless.. Such a fantastic idea.. Thank you."

Brooklands School, Reigate. 10/02/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 26 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all 26 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "We were very impressed with the storyteller. He engaged really well with each child, and gauged each child's abilities very quickly. His speech was very clear. Overall it was a really good experience for all the children, they all really enjoyed it!"
• "Lovely sessions - all the children more involved and interested! Great to see such interaction and response from one learner who is working at P1/P2 - she smiled all the way through. One learner who is blind really enjoyed the tactile aspect as well as the storyteller's voice. Great session! Thank you."
• "Lovely to see how focused the children were. Really lovely and personal storytelling. Thank you."
• "Children were very focused and really enjoyed the story. Was at the right level for early years children. [The Storyteller] was very good with the children and very lively."
• "Brilliant! Children thoroughly enjoyed it! Very appropriate! Thank you."

St John's School, Seaford. 08/02/16

Our Storyteller ran three multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 14 children with severe learning disabilities. We received feedback from three teachers who judged that all bar one of the 14 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All three rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "All learners really enjoyed the stories and wanted more! Brilliant!"
• "The interaction with the learners was great, very entertaining."
• "The session was excellent and three of studentes enjoyed it a lot. One of the students opted not to take part, but he did pop his head around the corner and enjoyed what he did see."

Prior's Court School, Thatcham. 05/02/16

Our Storyteller ran eight multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 44 children with severe learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorder.

Limington House School, Basingstoke. 04/02/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 35 children with severe learning disabilities. We received feedback from six teachers who judged that all 35 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "We have a very diverse class. [The Storyteller] was able to capture the attention of each pupil. We are looking forward to reading the books provided today and would welcome [The Storyteller] back at any time. Thank you."
• "The storyteller was brilliant! The children were all motivated and engaged. The storyteller was not deterred and persisted with anxious pupils, continuing to give them the opportunity to participate."
• "Students all really enjoyed the session. I was just wondering whether it would be possible to double up on the non-noisy elements so students have less waiting time."
• "A worthwhile storytelling experience. A good storyteller - very engaging. Thank you and well done."
• "Brilliant storyteller - fantastic with the children. Wonderful - thank you."

Oak Grove College, Worthing. 29/01/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 35 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all 35 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "The storyteller worked really hard on engaging all students in the story. He was very understanding of each individual's behaviour and needs and ensured all students took an active part in the story. The students showed clear enjoyment from the story and it was really lovely to see."
• "Really good stories. Lovely sensory equipment really good for all levels."
  
• "Fantastic, really included all students. Great at remembering names. Thank you. We really enjoyed it."
• "The stories were very engaging and the students all commented on how much they enjoyed the stories. The favourite part was the ghost train."
• "Fantastic session - the students really enjoyed it - even the two students that are very reluctant to join in with sessions. Good mixture of different sensory materials that stimulated the students in different ways. Gave me lots of ideas! Included all the children and not phased by any of them."

MacIntyre School, Aylesbury. 20/01/16

Our Storyteller ran six multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 28 children with severe  learning disabilities. We received feedback from five teachers who judged that all the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "The session was fantastic. A student who was highly anxious, recently challenged and rarely engages with anything listened and interacted to one whole story. The storyteller adapted quickly, only doing the session with one student for me which worked really well. The storyteller was engaging, exciting and brilliant to listen to! I hope we can have another visit very soon!"
• "The stories were very interesting, all the students participated in the story and they were excited as they followed the session."
• "The students who attended the session were engaged and having fun. One of my students requested one more story."
• "The storyteller did an excellent job to deliver the story. The four students were in general very unsettled yet the storyteller moved to them to encourage engagement. He used excellent tone of voice and expression and made the most of each opportunity to engage the students in the sensory objects. Well done!"
• "All students engaged and enjoyed story."

Fitzwaryn School, Wantage. 18/01/16

Our Storyteller ran four multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 41 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities. We received feedback from four teachers who judged that all bar one of the children in their classes had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "The children loved the session, and joining in. The storyteller read very well, and in a way that engaged all pupils."
• "Lovely sensory resources. The children enjoyed them and all engaged at a level appropriate to their needs. The one child who didn't join the group will have listened from a distance and was heard repeating a few of the words and sounds!"
• "The children all said they had a good time. They said that [the Storyteller] was very good at telling the story."
• "The session was great. All the children were engaged. The storyteller was brilliant, exciting and sensitive to all the children. Great resources too. Thank you!"

Mabel Prichard School, Oxford. 14/01/16

Our Storyteller ran four multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 28 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities. We received feedback from four teachers who judged that all bar one of the 28 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. All four rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good”. Comments were:

• "The class enjoyed the interactive elements, especially the elephant trunk."
• "Enjoyed not only by pupils but staff as well. Great session! Thank you."
• "Fantastic storyteller!"
• "Excellent! Well done! Pupils loved it!"

Downs View Special School, Brighton. 13/01/16

Our Storyteller ran five multi-sensory storytelling sessions involving a total of 47 children with severe or profound & multiple learning disabilities and/or severe autism spectrum disorders. We received feedback from seven teachers who judged that all 47 children had benefited from the multi-sensory storytelling. Six five rated the overall experience as “5/5 – Very Good” and one as “4/5 – Good”. Comments were:

• "[The Storyteller] was fantastic. He was really observant of the children's abilities and their needs. He took it slowly for the children that needed it, spending a good amount of time with each child. The stories were great, full of lovely props that kept the children engaged. Both of the children we took sat through two stories, each lasting at least fifteen minutes. Both children really enjoyed both stories and were very engaged. We hope [the Storyteller] comes back again very soon. "
• "What a fantastic session. We were the last group of the day, but [The Storyteller] showed no sign of flagging! The level of engagement for a really diverse group of pupils (Y10/11) was exemplary. Given that the situation was new/different and that three of the participants often find that a trigger for serious deterioration in behaviour and engagement, [The Storyteller's] presentation and the content over-rode that possibility very successfully. A really excellent engaging session for pupils who often find a group really hard to deal with."
  
• "Fun well paced - time to explore"
• "Excellent! Lovely and animated storytelling. Resources were great as we have two children without any vision. They all really enjoyed it. Please come again!"
• "Delivery excellent, content good. Unfortunately combining two classes (and two children from a third class) meant there was significant waiting time for taking turns - focus was lost. The opportunity to have separate class sessions would have greatly enhanced the children's experiences. A real shame. We need to think about the space the story is delivered in - perhaps come to each class next time."
• "Excellent delivery, appropriately paced. Very aware and good understanding of the group and whether students wanted to be involved or not. The children came back smiling!"
• "[The Storyteller] was fantastic. A great storyteller and very enthusiastic and positive. Thank you!"

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