A Call for SEND Learners to Imagine, Design & Shine
Reflections of The Lord Mayor invites SEND learners in pre-tertiary education across the UK to take part in the SEND Pollinators Stream — 2026.
This creative call invites young people to design a 10-inch circular artwork (roundel) inspired by pollinators — bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, flowers, seeds and the quiet energy of nature. One selected design will be transformed into real stained glass and unveiled at Guildhall as part of the 2026 Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala.
This is more than an art activity.
It is colour becoming light.
It is imagination made visible.
Learners are not required to make the stained glass.
The winning design will be fabricated by a professional stained glass artist.
- Design a 10-inch circular artwork inspired by pollinators
- One winning design is made into real stained glass
- Unveiled at Guildhall during the 2026 Gala
Award Recognition
In 2025, Reflections of The Lord Mayor was honoured at Mansion House with the London Careers Festival Award for “Championing Careers for SEND”, recognising our commitment to inclusive, creative pathways for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The award acknowledged our stained-glass-led workshops at the London Careers Festival, where SEND learners explored visual storytelling through light, colour, and pollinators, using nature-inspired roundel designs to build confidence, focus, and self-expression. We are deeply grateful to the Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor Alastair King DL and the London Careers Festival team for this recognition. Above all, it reflects the collective care and expertise of our artists, youth-organisation partners, educators, and supporters — and it strengthens our resolve to continue creating calm, creative opportunities where every young person is seen, heard, and valued.
Why This Stream Works So Well for SEND Learners
Pollinators are small, powerful and endlessly fascinating. They offer simple shapes, strong patterns, repetition, rhythm and movement, making them especially accessible and engaging for SEND learners.
Stained glass adds a further dimension: structure, clarity and the excitement of imagining how light transforms colour. Together, they create a learning experience that is:
- sensory-rich and visually rewarding
- suitable for abstract or figurative thinkers
- supportive of focus, sequencing and planning
- adaptable across a wide range of SEND needs
Many SEND learners notice what others overlook: detail, contrast, texture and rhythm. This stream celebrates those strengths.
Students from West Thames College explore wings, colour, pattern and rhythm, each learner taking their own creative path, each artwork completely unique.
How Learners’ Work Will Be Celebrated
Selected designs will be displayed at the Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala 2026 at Guildhall, featured online across Reflections platforms, and included in our SEND Pollinators showcase.
One design will be professionally fabricated in stained glass and unveiled at the Gala.
Learners are not expected to speak on stage or appear in livestreams. Their artwork speaks for them, with dignity, care and celebration.
Entry Deadline
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 at 5 pm (BST)
Entries may be submitted by SEND teachers, support staff or facilitators.
Prizes and Recognition
The selected winning designer will receive:
- £100 prize, presented by cheque at the Gala
- A personalised YETI Rambler mug, engraved with the learner’s name and year
- £100 awarded to their school or organisation, to support future creative projects
The winning learner will also be invited to attend the Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala Reception with:
- one parent, guardian or carer
- one teacher or support worker
The winner will be featured in the Gala Programme (print and digital PDF), including:
- an image of the winning design
- a short design narrative
- a 50-word profile of the school or organisation (submitted after notification)
- an optional QR code linking to the school’s or programme’s website
If attendance is not possible, the artwork will still be honoured at the Gala, and a short message may be shared on the participant’s behalf.
How to Submit an Entry
Entries must be submitted via a teacher, facilitator or SEND setting.
Download the full Entry Requirements PDF
Please include:
- a clear photograph or scan of the artwork
- learner’s first name and initial
- name of school, college or SEND organisation
- facilitator contact email
A simple facilitator guide can be Facilitator Guide, including session ideas, accessibility approaches and tips for stained-glass-friendly design.
Learners are not required to make the stained glass.
The winning design will be fabricated by a professional stained glass artist.
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 at 5 pm (BST)
Submissions are now closed
Bring This Experience Into Your School
If you would like your learners to take part in an onsite Pollinators and Stained Glass Design Workshop, we would be delighted to discuss arranging a visit to your school, college or SEND setting. Workshops are:
- hands-on and sensory-aware
- delivered by a professional stained glass artist
- planned in collaboration with carers, teaching assistants and support staff
- paced to suit your learners’ needs
Session format (guidance):
- Suggested duration: 60 to 90 minutes per group (half-day and full-day delivery available)
- Location options: your school or SEND centre, a host venue (subject to availability), or hybrid delivery with artist-led live guidance
- Availability: Spring to Autumn 2026 (dates arranged to suit your timetable)
Because every setting is different, pricing is shaped by what is asked, including number of groups, session length and support requirements. We will always discuss this openly and collaboratively.
To discuss workshops or availability: chris.seow@LMReflects.London
Explore the Theme at the London Careers Festival 2026
Reflections of The Lord Mayor will be delivering SEND-friendly Pollinators and Stained Glass design sessions at the London Careers Festival 2026, guided by professional stained glass artists Julia Gonyou and Kate Henderson.
Image Gallery
Images from West Thames College SEND workshops and learner artwork exhibited at the London Careers Festival 2025.
Supporting SEND Creativity
Support for the SEND Pollinators Stream helps ensure learners can access professional materials, artist-led workshops, and dignified public celebration of their work.
Sponsorship contributes to safe delivery, inclusive facilitation, and the professional fabrication of one selected design into stained glass — ensuring SEND creativity is recognised with care, respect and visibility.
Contact Chris to find out how you can become a sponsor:
chris.seow@lmreflects.london