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Kathryn OToole

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

2026 CLUB HUB TOP 100 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY PROVIDERS ANNOUNCED

Club Hub is delighted to announce the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers for 2026. Local business owner Rachel Hurton, who runs Synergy Dance® Ltd & Synergy Dance® Outreach, has been ranked number 8 in the whole of the UK.

Now in its second year, the Top 100 list continues to recognise and celebrate the incredible work being done across the children’s activities sector. The official list was announced throughout the day at the Club Hub Event 2026 on Saturday 9th May in Birmingham.

Business owners applying had to be an active children’s activity provider and a current Club Hub member to enter. They also needed to be the person physically delivering the classes or activities within the UK.

Entries for the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers were assessed by expert judges, focusing on five key areas: activity benefits, safeguarding, inclusivity, community impact, and business achievements. Each question was marked 1–20, giving a total overall score out of 100.

A huge thank you to our 2026 Top 100 judges: Bradley Flavien, Antonia Noble, Nicole Bateman, Tamara Holland and Cerys Keneally. The standard of applications was exceptionally high and showcased a diverse and inspiring range of children’s activities, clubs and organisations across the UK.

The list also serves as a valuable resource for parents and carers, offering reassurance that each provider featured has demonstrated the positive impact of their activities, alongside a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity and high standards.

WINNER’S QUOTE:
This award means everything to Synergy Dance Outreach. It recognises our mission that no one is left behind – creating inclusive environments within children’s activities and ensuring that dance and exercise are accessible to all.

We are proud to be expanding this work across schools, fitness and educational settings, and increasingly within children’s hospitals, providing meaningful enrichment opportunities where they are needed most. Alongside this, our inclusive training programmes, delivered in partnership with Future Fit Training, are helping more coaches develop the skills to support diverse groups so that everyone can feel included and empowered. This award also celebrates the people at the heart of our organisation -Sam, our inspiring Deputy Dance Leader, whose ambition to “turn his passion into his profession” continues to inspire us all; our dedicated team behind the scenes; our incredible instructors who go the extra mile and our supporters, funders, partners, friends and the wider Synergy community. This recognition truly belongs to all of you.

 Tessa Day, Founder and Director of Club Hub UK, said:

“I am so proud to be bringing back the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers list for its second year. It’s a fantastic celebration of our industry, showcasing the very best across the UK. Every business featured goes above and beyond to inspire, educate and support children and families in their local communities. I’m excited to see this continue to grow and become something the industry looks forward to each year.”

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Synergy Dance Outreach attending Kidz to Adultz South

Synergy Dance Outreach is delighted to be attending the upcoming Kidz to Adultz South event at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, a leading exhibition dedicated to supporting children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, as well as the professionals and families who support them.

Kidz to Adultz South is a vibrant, inclusive event open to children, families, carers, and professionals, including:

  1. Care home owners and managers
  2. Healthcare and nursing professionals
  3. Occupational therapists & physiotherapists
  4. SEN teachers and assistants
  5. Social workers and foster carers

The event provides a fantastic opportunity to discover services, explore new resources, and take part in interactive activities, all designed to support individuals with additional needs. Assistance dogs are also welcome, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.

At Synergy Dance Outreach, we specialise in delivering inclusive dance, yoga, and fitness programmes across a wide range of settings, including:

  1. SEND & mainstream schools, Education, colleges and universities
  2. Nurseries and leisure centres
  3. Charities and community outreach
  4. Children’s hospitals and care homes

We offer a flexible mix of:

  1. Live sessions (in person and online)
  2. On-demand pre-recorded classes
  3. After-school clubs, PE Curriculum and holiday camps
  4. Themed workshops and parties
  5. Digital activity bundles
  6. Movers & Shakers breakfast clubs
  7. Live Zoom sessions

Our mission is to enhance wellbeing, build confidence, and create meaningful connections through movement and music, ensuring every session is inclusive and accessible for all abilities.

Join us for an Inclusive Dance & Movement workshop

At Kidz to Adultz South, Synergy Dance Outreach will be delivering a fun, engaging, and fully inclusive dance workshop designed for all ages and abilities.

This interactive session will combine:

  1. Movement, music, and sensory play
  2. Use of props including a giant parachute, bubbles, and sensory equipment
  3. A playlist of uplifting, feel-good songs

Participants can enjoy:

  1. Seated or standing options
  2. Clear, adaptable instruction
  3. A supportive, welcoming environment

The workshop is carefully designed to support individuals with SEND and diverse needs, promoting:

  1. Coordination and movement
  2. Communication and social interaction
  3. Confidence and emotional wellbeing

It’s a fantastic opportunity for families, professionals, and community groups to experience inclusive practice in action – and see how dance can bring people together in a joyful, accessible way.

Quotation from me

“We’re incredibly excited to be part of Kidz to Adultz South. Events like this are so important in bringing together families, professionals, and organisations who are all working towards the same goal – creating inclusive opportunities for everyone. At Synergy Dance Outreach, we believe that dance, movement and music should be accessible to all, and we’re looking forward to sharing how our programmes and services can support wellbeing, confidence, and connection across all abilities.”

— Rachael Hurton, CEO, Synergy Dance Outreach

Join us

We look forward to meeting attendees, sharing our work, and welcoming you to take part in our workshop. Come along, get involved, and experience the power of inclusive movement with Synergy Dance Outreach. Can’t make it but would like to get in touch – contact: admin@synergydance.co.uk

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Synergy Dance® Outreach bags £1,000 from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme

Synergy Dance® Outreach will receive £1,000 that will allow us to deliver free, high-quality dance classes to school children, targeting schools that lack sufficient funding for extracurricular wellbeing activities. Our initiative will run 10-week programmes in two new schools, with one-hour sessions delivered weekly by qualified instructors. These engaging dance sessions will be offered entirely free to students, provided schools can support the initiative with free venue/room hire. This collaborative model ensures maximum impact from minimal funding, enabling access to healthy physical activity for children who might otherwise miss out.

We have identified a growing concern around children’s physical inactivity and mental health challenges, particularly in underserved schools. According to Public Health England, only 45% of children meet the daily recommended physical activity levels. Our discussions with school heads and teachers reveal a strong demand for affordable, enriching activities that encourage movement, creativity, and confidence-building.

However, budget constraints mean many schools cannot afford to hire external providers. This project bridges that gap. Recent surveys from our pilot programmes show over 80% of participating children reported increased confidence and happiness, and teachers noted improvements in focus and behaviour in class.

This project directly addresses the physical and emotional needs of children by providing a safe, inclusive space to move, connect, and thrive. Dance is a proven tool for improving mood, reducing anxiety, and boosting fitness and social skills. By eliminating financial barriers for both schools and families, we ensure equal access to these benefits. Our sessions are inclusive, tailored to all abilities, and align with national wellbeing goals for children.

 Founder, Rachael Hurton says: “This grant will allow us to deliver free dance and wellbeing sessions to children who might otherwise miss out. By removing financial barriers for schools and families, we can improve physical health, boost confidence and support emotional wellbeing for up to 60 young people in our local community. We are incredibly grateful for the support that makes this possible.”

To boost funds for extra food and activity equipment, Tesco introduced a £5m grant programme, in partnership with charity Groundwork, to give children across the UK a stronger start in life. The grants will help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities.

Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants – has already provided over £127 million to more than 74,000 projects across Britain.

Claire de Silva, Tesco UK Head of Communities and Local Media, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.”

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “As a community charity, we have seen first-hand how schools and other groups supporting young people have been playing a much bigger role in ensuring children are getting a healthy start to the day and getting access to spaces and services to support physical activity and mental health. Family budgets are tight and school budgets are tight, but it’s so important that children stay fed, fit and focused, so we’re delighted to be able to prioritise these activities alongside Tesco with the Stronger Starts programme.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts

Ends

Issued by Synergy Dance® Outreach

For further information please contact: admin@synergydance.co.uk

Notes to Editors

For more information please visit: tescoplc.com/strongerstarts

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Supporting Wellbeing, Connection and Movement in Care Homes

Supporting Wellbeing, Connection and Movement in Care Homes

At Synergy Dance® Outreach, we believe that everyone deserves access to joyful, inclusive movement – whatever their age, ability or mobility level. Our work in care settings is rooted in positivity, dignity and hope, supporting physical health, emotional wellbeing and meaningful human connection. Our exercise and singing programmes are treated like a visit, and something residents can look forward to. They reach out and ask when we are coming back. We bring movement, joy and singing to care environments.

We deliver flexible, person-centred activity and training packages for residential, nursing and specialist care homes, as well as day centres, outreach services and supported living environments. Our programmes are suitable for both communal group delivery and bedside sessions, ensuring no one is excluded due to health, mobility or confidence.

Sessions are tailored to individual settings, schedules and budgets, and are available weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Typically delivered mid-morning to mid-afternoon, our activities fit comfortably around daily care routines. Programmes include chair-based dance, yoga, Pilates and gentle fitness through ParaStars Dance™, ParaStars Yoga® and ParaStars Pilates™, all carefully adapted to support a wide range of physical and cognitive needs. Sessions can be delivered in person, live via Zoom or through pre-recorded on-demand videos, offering maximum flexibility.

Our seated and low-impact programmes support strength, mobility, confidence and circulation in a safe, enjoyable way. Using our Fitness to Fit You™ and Move Your Way™ approaches, every session is inclusive, adaptable and person-centred, encouraging choice, independence and dignity.

“The seated sessions are brilliant – everyone can join in at their own level. Residents feel included, safe and proud of what they can achieve.”

– Care Home Manager/Ilford

A highlight of our offer is Sing for Joy™, our much-loved live and recorded singing programme. Sing for Joy™ brings people together through familiar songs, gentle movement and shared musical experiences. Singing supports positive mood, reduces isolation, stimulates memory and encourages communication – often reaching residents living with dementia in powerful and meaningful ways.

“We’ve seen residents light up during Sing for Joy sessions – even those who rarely engage. The singing brings smiles, conversation and a real sense of togetherness – to both residents and care staff.”

– Activity Coordinator, Hindhead Moorlands, Residential Care Home

Alongside resident activities, we also deliver inclusive training for activity coordinators and care staff, equipping teams with practical skills, creative tools and confidence to deliver engaging wellbeing activities within their settings.

Activities for Care Homes: https://synergydance.co.uk/activities-for-care-homes/

On-Demand Videos: https://synergy-dance-online.teachable.com/p/carehomes

Training:

SEND Training: Inclusive Dance for Adults

SEND Training: Inclusive Practice for Adults

To book a session, discuss packages or enquire about training, please contact admin@synergydance.co.uk

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Movement that meets people where they are: Why inclusive dance matters more than ever

Movement that meets people where they are: Why inclusive dance matters more than ever
In recent years, the needs of children, young people and communities have changed dramatically. Rising anxiety, reduced access to creative activities, increasing SEND support needs and social isolation have all highlighted one important truth: movement is no longer just an extracurricular activity; it is a vital tool for wellbeing, connection and inclusion.
At Synergy Dance®️ Outreach, we see this every day. Through inclusive dance and movement sessions delivered in schools, youth centres, hospitals and community settings, we witness how movement can open doors where words sometimes can’t.
The growing need for inclusive movement
Children and young people today are navigating pressures that previous generations simply didn’t face in the same way. Many experience anxiety, reduced confidence, sensory overwhelm or barriers to communication. For those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), opportunities to access creative and physical activities are often limited or inconsistent.
Dance and movement offer a powerful response. They provide a space where individuals can explore how they feel, express themselves freely and connect with others – without the pressure of getting things “right”.
Inclusive movement creates an environment where participation matters more than performance, and where every individual is valued for who they are.
What does inclusive dance really mean?
Inclusive dance is not about adapting one rigid structure to fit everyone. It’s about meeting people where they are and ensuring every participant feels they belong.
This means:
  1. Adapting pace, energy and structure as needed
  2. Using music, rhythm and movement to support communication
  3. Offering choice, freedom of expression and flexibility
  4. Creating a non-judgemental, welcoming space
Inclusive dance recognises that progress looks different for everyone. A small movement, a smile, a moment of engagement or shared rhythm can be just as meaningful as learning a full routine.
Why Outreach makes the difference
Outreach brings movement directly into spaces where it’s needed most. Rather than participants coming to us, we work within their environments – places that already feel familiar and safe.
Across our outreach work, we see:
  1. Children who are non-verbal finding confidence through rhythm
  2. SEND participants engaging at their own pace, week by week
  3. Hospital and care settings transformed by moments of joy and connection
  4. Groups building trust, friendships and routine through regular sessions
These moments might look small from the outside, but their impact can be long-lasting.
Movement is more than physical
The benefits of inclusive dance extend far beyond physical activity. Regular movement supports:
  1. Emotional regulation and self-expression
  2. Social skills and connection
  3. Confidence and self-esteem
  4. Focus, routine and engagement
  5. A sense of belonging
  6. Freedom to be creative
  7. Positive mindset and aspirations
For many participants, dance becomes a place where they feel successful, understood and accepted – sometimes for the first time.
Our approach at Synergy Dance Outreach
Our sessions are designed with people at the centre. We work with schools, hospitals, leisure centres, care homes, organisations and communities to create programmes that are:
  1. SEND-informed and trauma-aware
  2. Flexible and responsive
  3. Led by experienced, compassionate instructors
  4. Focused on wellbeing as much as movement
We believe outreach works best when it is collaborative. We listen, adapt and grow alongside the communities we serve, ensuring every session feels meaningful and supportive.
Looking ahead: Building stronger communities through movement
As the demand for inclusive, accessible provision continues to grow, our commitment remains the same: to ensure that no one is excluded from the joy and benefits of movement.
By expanding partnerships, reaching new communities and continuing to advocate for inclusive provision, we aim to help build healthier, more connected environments where everyone has the opportunity to move, express and belong.
If you are a school, NHS Trust, leisure centre, care home, organisation, community group or funder interested in inclusive dance and movement outreach, we’d love to start a conversation.
Because movement should be for everyone – exactly as they are.
Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Celebrating the Joy of Dance – Community Integrated Care

Live Zoom Session with Community Integrated Care

We recently had the pleasure of delivering a live Synergy Dance Outreach Zoom session in partnership with Community Integrated Care, themed around Pop Dance – and it was a truly fun, uplifting and energising experience for everyone involved.

Participants from across England and Scotland came together online to move, connect and enjoy an evening of dance, supported by Community Integrated Care’s vital work with adults with autism, learning disabilities and mental health concerns. The sense of togetherness was clear, with music, movement and smiles shared throughout the session.

Dance offers a wide range of benefits, both physically and emotionally. Sessions like this support physical wellbeing, coordination and mobility, while also helping to build confidence, self-expression and positive mental health. The session demonstrated how inclusive and accessible dance can create meaningful moments of connection, enjoyment and achievement, regardless of location or ability.

A huge thank you to Abi, whose fantastic pop-inspired routines brought the session to life! Her energy, creativity and encouragement had everyone smiling and dancing the evening away, helping participants feel confident, supported and fully involved.

At Synergy Dance Outreach, we are passionate about creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of dance. We’re proud to champion dance as a meaningful pathway to wellbeing and joy, and as a powerful tool for inclusion and community connection.

We’re incredibly grateful to Community Integrated Care for the opportunity to work together and to everyone who took part in making the session such a success. We look forward to continuing to deliver inclusive dance experiences that bring people together, inspire confidence and celebrate movement in all its forms.

If you would like Live zoom sessions for your members – please contact admin@synergydance.co.uk

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

STEP 2026 – Free Online Programme for Blind and Partially Sighted Children

Synergy Dance Outreach are pleased to share details of STEP 2026, a free online programme designed to support blind and partially sighted students who are preparing to transition into further education (FE) or higher education (HE).

STEP is a well-established programme that aims to empower young people with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to navigate this important next stage of their lives.

Moving on to FE or HE can feel both exciting and daunting, and STEP has been carefully designed to address the social, emotional and practical challenges that blind and partially sighted students may face.

This year’s online sessions will explore a range of key themes, including navigating social situations and building friendships, developing self-advocacy and confidence skills, and feeling informed and prepared for the next step in education. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn directly from peers who have already made the transition, offering real-life insight and reassurance.

The sessions will include guest speakers from partner organisations, alongside interactive discussions where students can ask questions and share experiences in a supportive and understanding environment. Hearing from blind and partially sighted young people with lived experience is a particularly valuable part of the programme, helping participants to feel less alone and more confident about what lies ahead.

The first STEP 2026 online sessions will take place on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th January, from 6.00–7.00pm, and will be delivered via Microsoft Teams, making them accessible to students across the country.

Full details and registration information can be found here:

Student Transitions – Thomas Pocklington Trust

In addition, a technology-focused series of STEP sessions is planned for the summer, with dates to be confirmed.

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

London Youth Games Adapted Inspire Festival

Synergy were delighted to take part in the London Youth Games Adapted Inspire Festival on Tuesday 11th November, supporting what proved to be the largest event of its kind to date. As a delivery partner, we had the privilege of delivering a full day of inclusive, high-energy dance sessions designed to help young people explore movement, creativity and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.

This year’s festival brought together 230 young people in Years 7–11 from 23 schools across 13 London boroughs, including mainstream and specialist settings. Schools that took part included Alexandra Park (Haringey), ATAM Academy (Redbridge), Beatrice Tate School, Blanche Nevile School (Haringey), Brent Knoll (Lewisham), Burntwood School (Wandsworth), Chadwell Heath Academy, Chingford Foundation School (Waltham Forest), Cumberland Community School (Newham), Dagenham Park Community School, Elm Court School, Forest Gate Community School (Newham), Friern Barnet School (Barnet), King Solomon Academy (Westminster), Oak Lodge School, Plashet School (Newham), Riverside School (Haringey), Sarah Bonnell School (Newham), Seven Kings School (Redbridge), St Angela’s Ursuline School (Newham), The Compton School (Barnet), West Lea (Enfield) and Alperton Community School (Brent).

Pupils joined us throughout the day, each bringing enthusiasm, openness and a willingness to try something new. At the heart of the Adapted Inspire Festival is a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of ability, background or experience, has access to high-quality, enjoyable physical activity. Synergy is proud to support this mission. Our sessions focused not only on dance technique but also on self-expression and the simple joy of moving to music. Our teachers told us it was a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in activities that felt accessible, empowering and genuinely fun.

We were thrilled to receive incredibly positive feedback from both the London Youth Games team and participating schools. The Disability Activation Manager shared, “The feedback has been brilliant from schools and this is down to your sessions… We had 230 young people take part from 23 schools across 13 boroughs.”

Events like these highlight the importance of inclusive sports and creative arts provision across London. Synergy is proud to play our part in creating opportunities that inspire young people, build confidence and celebrate the power of dance to bring communities together.

We look forward to continuing our work with the London Youth Games and supporting even more young Londoners to get moving!

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Inclusive Dance Sessions at the Adapted Inspire Festival

Synergy Dance Outreach to deliver inclusive dance sessions at the Adapted Inspire Festival

Synergy Dance Outreach is thrilled to be part of the upcoming Adapted Inspire Festival, taking place on Tuesday 11th November at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

This inspiring event, designed for students in Years 7–11, brings together over 20 schools from across the region to take part in a day of inclusive and adaptive sports and creative activities. Each group of students will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of sessions tailored to support and celebrate diverse abilities.

As part of the festival’s exciting line-up, Synergy Dance Outreach will lead engaging, accessible dance sessions throughout the day. Our charity’s mission is to make movement, dance, and fitness inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of ability, background, or experience.

Through music, creativity, and movement, the Synergy team will encourage students to express themselves, build confidence and experience the joy of dance in a fun, supportive environment. The sessions are designed to be adaptive and fully inclusive—promoting teamwork, creativity, and wellbeing for all participants.

CEO Rachael Hurton shared:

“We’re delighted to bring our inclusive dance delivery to the Adapted Inspire Festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to explore movement in an inclusive setting and to celebrate all they can do. We look forward to inspiring every student to move, connect and have fun.”

Synergy Dance Outreach is proud to collaborate with schools and partners in championing inclusion and promoting active, healthy lifestyles for all.

Do you have an event coming up? If your school, charity, or organisation is planning a community or inclusion event and would like to bring the joy of dance, yoga or fitness fun to your participants, get in touch with our team to arrange a bespoke inclusive dance delivery.

Contact: admin@synergydance.co.uk

Kathryn OToole
In Latest News

Synergy Dance® Outreach has been featured in the GOSH newsletter!

We’re proud to share that Synergy Dance® Outreach has been featured in the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) newsletter!

WECLOME
We are very excited to welcome our newest External Partner, Synergy Dance Outreach.

They are a registered charity with a mission to deliver inclusive, accessible dance, fitness, yoga, musical and creative well-being programmes for children, teens, adults and seniors including those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (“SEND”) and/or long term/life limiting health conditions (“LTLLHCs”). Our specialised services bring together physical activity, creativity, social connection and improve both physical and mental well-being.

They are dedicated to creating a nurturing, safe, supportive, inclusive environment so all people marginalised by SEND, LTLLHCs and poverty are positively impacted, feel valued and included, and can thrive through dance, fitness, singing and related activities.

Working with the Physio team in Hummingbird Ward (Pain Clinic), the Synergy team will bring joy, build confidence and support physical and emotional wellbeing, alongside creating an uplifting experience for patients.

We’re so proud to be working alongside the incredible team at Great Ormond Street Hospital — using dance, movement and creativity to spread smiles and wellbeing.

#SynergyDanceOutreach #GOSH #InclusiveDance #DanceForWellbeing #SEND #CommunitySupport #DanceForAll #HospitalPartnership #SynergyDance