Coram has published a rapid evidence review evaluating the impact of creative interventions with care experienced children and young people and those experiencing broader disadvantage and exclusion. The report reviews UK research studies of non-therapeutic creative programmes, delivered outside of the national curriculum, featuring art, music, theatre and multimedia. Findings include: children and young people who took part in the programmes were observed to grow in confidence, self-esteem, social skills and communication skills; there was less evidence relating to longer-term outcomes such as education; and mentorship programmes were shown to be highly effective. Due to limitations with the existing research, no conclusions could be made about the most effective creative intervention or preferential programme designs when working with children experiencing disadvantage. The report includes practice, policy and research recommendations, including calls for more investment in creative interventions.
Read the news story: New evidence review by Coram explores efficacy of creative interventions with children and young people experiencing disadvantage
Read the report: The efficacy of creative interventions with children and young people experiencing disadvantage
Source: Coram Institute for Children
Date published: 10 June 2025
