Children learn through creative play

An innovative arts project which boosts creativity and confidence in young children is to be extended.

Playful Beginnings is currently running at Wheatley Hill Children’s Centre and will move on to Thornley and Blackhall Children’s Centre’s during the course of the year.

Artist Brenda McDermott, who will be supported by Debbie Unsworth and other early years staff from Sure Start County Durham will work with the children aged under five-years-old and their parents for half a day each week for 15 weeks at each centre.

The youngsters will try out a range of art forms that will not only develop their creativity but also boost other skills such as problem solving, working alone and showing a willingness to explore and experiment.

The project, which is jointly funded by Sure Start managed by Durham County Council and District of Easington Council, originally ran at Horden and Easington Colliery Children’s Centre’s in 2007.

Colin Robson, District of Easington Council’s Arts Officer, said: “When the project ran in Horden Easington it proved to be a very positive experience for the children involved, resulting in a definite growth in confidence, and by the end of the course most young people showed more autonomy and the ability to tackle challenges.

 “We know that taking part in artistic endeavours can have many benefits, and we are now hoping that rolling out this scheme to other areas will allow more children in their early years to experience the benefits of creative pastimes.”