SEND Pollinators

A 2027 Design Call for Young People with SEND

Pre-Tertiary Education Across the UK

Reflections of The Lord Mayor invites young people with SEND in pre-tertiary education across the UK to take part in the SEND Pollinators Stream—2027.

The theme

HOW MIGHT THE UK HEATWAVES OF 2026 HAVE AFFECTED OUR POLLINATORS?

Repeated periods of hot, dry weather can alter when flowers bloom, reduce available food and water, and change the habitats upon which pollinators rely.

Young people are invited to investigate these effects and communicate their response through colour, shape, pattern and symbolism. They may also explore what people could do to help pollinators survive and thrive.

The creative brief

Create an original design within a 10-inch circular template, known as a roundel.

The design might explore:

  • a pollinator searching for food or water

  • flowers or habitats changed by heat and drought

  • the colours and energy of an unusually hot summer

  • the resilience of pollinators and the natural world

  • an action people could take to help

The artwork may be observational, symbolic or imaginative, but it should demonstrate a clear and thoughtful connection to the theme.

Young people do not need to be confident with words—or think of themselves as artists—to participate. Their ideas can be communicated visually through colour, shape, pattern, imagery and symbolism.

Key information

  • Open only to young people with SEND in pre-tertiary education across the UK

  • Entries must be submitted by a teacher, facilitator or SEND setting

  • The design must be the young person’s original work

  • Generative AI must not be used to create the competition entry

  • Participants design the artwork; they are not required to make stained glass

  • One selected design will be professionally interpreted and fabricated as a stained-glass roundel

  • The completed roundel will be unveiled as part of the 2027 Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala

  • Deadline: Friday 16 April 2027 at 5.00 pm (BST)

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

One design will be selected for professional interpretation and fabrication as a 10-inch stained-glass roundel. The completed artwork will be unveiled at the 2027 Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala, where the young designer and those who supported them will be recognised.

Participation in any public presentation is optional. Learners will not be required to speak, be photographed or appear in recorded coverage. Their individual needs and preferences will be respected throughout, allowing their artwork to communicate their response to the theme.

Entry Deadline

Submission deadline: 16 April 2027 at 5 pm (BST)

Entries may be submitted by SEND teachers, support staff or facilitators.

Prizes and Recognition

The selected winning designer will receive:

  • a £100 prize, presented by cheque at the Gala
  • the opportunity to have their design professionally interpreted and fabricated as a 10-inch stained-glass roundel
  • a certificate recognising their achievement

The winning learner will be invited to attend the Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala Reception, accompanied by:

  • one parent, guardian or carer
  • one teacher or support worker

The teacher or support worker who supported the winning entry will also receive one complimentary place at the Gala Dinner, in recognition of their encouragement and contribution to the learner’s participation.

The winner will be featured in the Gala Programme, in print and digital form, including:

  • an image of the winning design
  • a short narrative explaining the idea behind the design

If the learner is unable to attend, their artwork and achievement will still be celebrated at the Gala, and a short message may be shared on their 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.

Booking details

Image Gallery

Images from West Thames College SEND workshops and learner artwork exhibited at the London Careers Festival 2025.