The Duchess of Cambridge is officially opening an art room in a school this morning which helps children overcome challenges in their lives.
Kate Middleton is the Royal Patron of The Art Room, a national charity funded by stock brokers ICAP. Based in schools, it offers art as therapy to children aged five to 16 who have difficulty in their lives and may be at risk of exclusion.
The Duchess is visiting the centre at Northolt High School. It is one of seven in London and Oxford. She will experience a short session and witness the good work of the school and Art Room collaboration.
Headteacher Gloria Lowe said: “The Art Room has been a wonderful and most welcome addition to the learning community of Northolt High. It is a creative space that is providing a high quality intervention led by professional and dedicated staff. The Art Room models a standard of excellence that is the goal of the whole school and coheres with the school motto ‘Excellence as a Habit’.
“We look forward to the ongoing impact it will have on the attitudes to learning, confidence and sense of safety of those students who benefit from this provision.”
Up to 60 students from the borough are able to use The Art Room each week with a team of trained practitioners.
Following an initial period of working with Northolt High School students, The ICAP Art Room will welcome others referred from neighbouring schools.
The Art Room was set up in Oxford in 2002. The charity works with children to increase their self-esteem, self-confidence and independence through art.
Did you know Kate's mother Carole Middleton spent a decade growing up in the Ealing borough? See our story from 2010 uncovering Kate's family connection with Ealing.
