Pause & Practice is a series of online twilight sessions that offers NSEAD members time and space to slow down, connect with peers and explore questions that matter to them through creative practice.

Developed in response to the NSEAD member survey, the programme of workshop-style sessions will focus on key themes and current issues across the sector, supporting members to build confidence, share experiences and feel part of a connected professional community. 

Each session combines reflective discussion, shared making and peer exchange, creating a supportive environment for professional and personal growth. Pause & Practice foregrounds process, collaboration and thoughtful inquiry as essential to art, craft and design education. 

Responding to the widespread burnout and systemic pressure experienced by art and design educators, we invite members to step away from the demands of everyday school life and engage with questions that matter most to them in a space that centres belonging, safety and trust.

Registration

Pause & Practice is FREE and open to NSEAD members. It will cover all settings, from early years through to HE and community educators. 

Registration required: please follow the link and complete the short form.

Register for Pause & Practice

Programme

Each twilight workshop-style session is 90 minutes and responds to a question, issue or theme that our members have told us is important to them, such as personal creative practice, curriculum design, or technology in the classroom.

Sessions are facilitated by Ollie Briggs, who will lead the participants in a reflective creative activity. One or more arts-based learning tools will be introduced at each session, such as drawing, collage, mapping, photography or creative writing.

Activities will use readily available and accessible materials, equipment or digital platforms.

Each session will generate digital or physical artefacts - small but powerful traces of collective learning.

Dates

Thursday 23 April 2026

Thursday 21 May 2026

June 2026 (date tbc)

Thursday 16 July 2026

This programme is comprised of a total of 10 sessions. The programme will resume in September 2026 and sessions will run monthly, with exact dates to be confirmed closer to the time.

Coaching (Optional)

Members also have the option to sign up for one-to-one or group coaching sessions with Ollie, designed to create calm, reflective spaces where teachers can pause, process challenges and reconnect with purpose. Drawing on years of experience in curriculum development, creative facilitation and wellbeing practice, Ollie supports educators to clarify values, strengthen leadership confidence and develop robust strategies for future thinking.

Whether you’re seeking to restore balance or reimagine what’s next, coaching provides a grounded, relational space for renewal and direction.

Please note: coaching sessions will include an additional fee.

Prices and details of how to book will be shared soon. We will be providing a free group coaching taster session with Ollie in the Pause & Practice programme, for those who would like to know more.