Arts Access

Giving young theatre-goers with access needs the best theatre experience.

A group of primary school children engaging in an activity with their arms stretched out enthusiastically.

Polka Arts Access

Polka is dedicated to improving access to theatre for all children, and we appreciate that extra care is needed when organising a trip for a group with additional needs.

If you are booking tickets for a Special School or ARP, this unique package will complement your visit and ensure all children can make the most out of their school trip.

Arts Access is open to SEND schools and groups who book tickets to any Polka show. Through the scheme, we can provide:

  • Pre-visit workshops to prepare children for their visit
  • A social story pack of the show
  • A practitioner-companion to accompany your group during their visit
  • Post-show workshop in our Sensory Space or in your school
  • Touch tour of the stage and actors for visually impaired children
  • Additional assistance during your visit

We know that every child and every school is different, so we will work with you to craft the ideal experience.

Simply get in touch to begin planning your visit.

Contact us
It made the experience of visiting the theatre less daunting for our pupils. They greeted [the practitioner] like an old friend when they saw her at the theatre. They would not have understood the storyline, we as teachers would not have been able to do all the pre teaching we did without the arts access scheme.
A group of children with their parents sat in the audience.
“A fantastic workshop pitched at exactly the right level for complex needs students involved.”
A group of school children sat cross legged on the floor listening intently.
“The workshops and the show were such wonderful, positive experiences for our special needs children. They especially benefitted from the small group learning activities offered in the workshop. These were pitched at just the right level! Thank you! We will definitely be bringing back our children for future shows and workshops.”

With thanks to our Access Programme supporters:

Misses Barrie Charitable Foundation | Ovingdean Hall Foundation | The Andor Charitable Trust | The Calleva Foundation | The Carmela and Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation | The Munro Charitable Trust | The Patricia Routledge Charitable Trust | The Childhood Trust | The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation | Wimbledon District Nursing and Midwifery Benevolent Society

Access at Polka

We are committed to making Polka accessible and inclusive to everyone. Find out more.

Access & Support