We champion
children's voices...
one story at a time
Some children hear stories and poems.
Others fall silently behind.
That silence becomes a language gap - a gap that can last a lifetime.
We know that children who grow up with stories and rhymes, who are read to daily, and have rich conversations with adults get a stronger start in life.
But too many are missing out. Fewer children hear stories regularly. Speech and language delays are rising – and the gap keeps growing.
We’ve seen the difference a rich story diet can make. When children hear, invent, and act out stories – when they move, recite, and perform poems – they don’t just learn language. They find their voice. And with it, the skills to listen, wait, take turns, and imagine things from another point of view. They learn to focus, to build on each other’s ideas, and to explore big feelings in a safe and creative way.
Helicopter Stories is used in thousands of classrooms across the UK. And it’s just one of the ways we bring stories to life.
Childhood Matters
The early years are not a rehearsal. Childhood is a time for wonder, connection, and creativity – not a race to be ready for what comes next.
Everyone has a story
Every child expresses themselves differently. We meet each child where they are, offering the support they need to join in, speak out, and grow in confidence.
Stories create change
When children share stories, they find their voice, unlock their creativity, and begin to understand their place in the world. Story builds confidence, connection, and belonging.
These beliefs guide everything we do at MakeBelieve Arts. They’re more than values. They’re the foundation for every story, every programme, every child we reach.
Our Impact
Storytelling doesn’t just support communication, it builds confidence, empathy, and a sense of community, helping every child feel they belong.
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Helicopter Stories
- 7,000+ Early Years practitioners trained face to face
- 3,000+ trained through our online course
- Reaching 100,000+ children with story acting across the UK and beyond
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The Poety Basket
- 150,000+ children hearing and performing poems with actions
- Used in 4,000+ early years settings
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The Story Basket
- 15,000 children listening to audio-only stories
- Nurturing imagination through voice alone
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Story Steps (new May 2025)
- 1,000 children have already stepped into a story
- A brand-new adventure in movement, music and make-believe
“For the 36% of children aged 0-4 growing up in poverty, the barriers to being read to regularly through childhood can be hard to overcome.”
BookTrust Reading Rights Report 2024
