We’re thrilled to announce The Story Starts with You, a new two-year teacher development project funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Working with six primary schools across Greater Manchester, this ambitious programme supports teachers to become “Story Champions” – confident, imaginative educators who bring learning to life through immersive storytelling and creative practice.
This project builds on the success of our previous Paul Hamlyn Foundation–funded programme, Terri and the Time Machine, which will will continue to run in the six schools during the length of the project.
Who is it for?
The project is designed for primary teachers who want to use storytelling in their classrooms to support learning, engage children, and bring more creativity and fun into their practice.
It will connect teachers who:
- Already use storytelling and want to develop their skills further.
- Want to build confidence in using storytelling techniques.
- Those who are looking to rediscover the joy of storytelling in their teaching.
Together, we’ll create a supportive community of practitioners, offering space for reflection, growth, confidence-building, creativity, and joy.
How does it work?
Each school will be matched with a professional storyteller, who will work with two teachers a year to help them develop their own storytelling practice. This partnership provides mentoring, co-creation, and inspiration, using a “Model, Participate, Lead” approach tailored to the unique needs of each teacher, class, and school.
Throughout the project, teachers will benefit from:
- High-quality storytelling CPD from six professional storytellers.
- Support in arts-based learning from artist practitioners at Z-arts.
- Group coaching sessions with a professional coach, guiding them on their professional development journey.
Find out more
If you’d like to learn more about The Story Starts with You, please contact hannah@z-arts.org
