West London Performing Arts Academy is a UK charity, that stands for inclusion and breaking down barriers. Founded in 2012 by three Mothers (Michelle Welch, June Billham and Shanti Babrah), that pride themselves in “going the extra mile to give their students a voice and enabling them to feel an integral part of the community.”
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, West London Performing Arts Academy offered community performing arts classes every Saturday during term time and education sessions during the week for children and young people that are homeschooled, in Ealing, West London.
Michelle Welch (Co-founder) said: “We cater for children with special educational needs, from autism to verbal delay, downs syndrome, to children who have struggled in mainstream school on the academic side.”
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, West London Performing Arts Academy has transferred their tutoring sessions and performing arts classes from onsite to online.
The charity supports children, and their families with structured, yet flexible online learning.
June Billam (Co-founder) said: “Some of the children who are not comfortable in the classroom setting are coming up to the camera. We’re wondering. They’ve found another strength through this. It’s unique. We can now ask, does this child work better this way and it gives us something to think about in the future.”
In addition to their online sessions, West London Performing Arts Academy is hosting an inclusive online talent competition which is free to enter and the winner of each category will receive a £100 Amazon gift voucher. Their online competition closes at 9am on Saturday 30th June 2020.
Shanti Babrah (Co-founder) said: ” Our aim is to spread positivity and uplift as many people as possible during these uncertain times. We hope to inspire people to continue to do what they love or explore new skills.”
