About us and Our History

About SOTO

Founded in 2012, SOTO was born from a simple but powerful belief: that every child and young person deserves access to high-quality, inclusive, inspiring experiences that help them grow with confidence, joy, and purpose. What began as a grassroots community arts organisation has grown into a multifaceted service provider supporting schools, families, and communities across London—yet our heart and ethos remain the same; family-instilled values, inclusive practice, and a genuine love for nurturing the potential of every young person.

Our Beginnings

SOTO first emerged within London’s youth services, using inclusive and accessible performing arts as a way to reach and empower young people from all cultural, emotional, and socio-economic backgrounds.

With strong foundations in youth work, our earliest sessions were designed to be open, engaging, emotionally connected, and—true to our name—Something Out The Ordinary.

We used the arts not simply as an activity, but as a gateway to help young people:

• build confidence

• strengthen social and emotional skills

• improve physical wellbeing

• develop their identity and aspirations

SOTO quickly became recognised for its vibrant delivery style, its nurturing tutors, and its ability to captivate and support even the most vulnerable young people.

Our Growth

As schools and local authorities began to recognise the quality and value of our work, SOTO expanded its offer beyond performing arts. We began to design and deliver bespoke in-school programmes, including:

PPA & Curriculum Support

• Performing Arts

• Physical Education

• Literacy

• PSHE

• Creative Arts

Enrichment & Twilight Clubs

We developed a wide range of engaging after-school and lunchtime clubs, including:

• Performing Arts

• Ballet

• Street Dance

• Martial Arts

• Gymnastics & Acro

• Arts & Crafts

• Cooking

• Multi-Activity sessions

Mentoring & 1:1 Support

Our youth-work roots naturally evolved into tailored mentoring and pastoral support for young people who benefit from an additional layer of guidance, reassurance, and structured emotional development.

Sports Programmes & League Development

We expanded into organised sports provision, helping schools establish or strengthen leagues, coaching structures, tournaments, and confidence-building recreational programmes.

Teacher CPD

SOTO provides training and development for school staff, equipping teachers with creative, inclusive, and effective approaches to PE, arts, and wellbeing-based delivery.

Productions & Community Projects

From school showcases to collaborative community productions, we continue to celebrate creativity as a tool for connection, pride, and belonging.

Where We Are Today

SOTO now operates predominantly across Barnet and Brent, proudly offering:

• After-school childcare

• Term-time clubs

• Holiday camps

• In-school PPA delivery

• Enrichment and twilight programmes

• Mentoring and 1:1 support

• Specialist arts & sports classes

• Community productions

• Staff CPD

• And a growing range of multi-activity services

All delivered with our signature warmth, energy, and care.

Our Ethos

At the centre of everything we do is the SOTO family ethos—a commitment to:

• Inclusivity: every child belongs

• Nurture: emotional safety and confidence-building

• Creativity: expression as a tool for growth

• Connection: genuine relationships with young people and families

• Quality: high expectations and high standards

• Joy: learning that is fun, vibrant, and meaningful

We believe wholeheartedly in the development and support of all children and young people—whatever their needs, backgrounds, or starting points.

Our Future

SOTO continues to grow with purpose. Our vision is to:

• Expand our wraparound care and holiday camps

• Deepen our school partnerships

• Develop specialist programmes for wellbeing, youth leadership, and SEN support

• Increase community engagement and family involvement

• Continue shaping environments where children feel safe, inspired, and valued

Our future is rooted in the same values we started with:

family, inclusion, creativity, and the unwavering belief that young people thrive when they are seen, supported, and celebrated.