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Such a brilliant day facilitated by the amazing Justine Hattams, sharing her practice and work that has developed out of her MA in Music Therapy at ARU. Thank you Justine!

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Next Little Beats Early Years Music Autumn Network Meeting 21st September 10am - 1pm, 

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Next Little Beats Early Years Music Autumn Network Meeting 21st September 10am - 1pm, 

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Next Little Beats Early Years Music Network Meeting

Date : 21st September

Time : 10am - 1pm

Venue : Lowestoft Library, Britten Room

Guest Speakers Zannie Fraser and Ella Daymond, Squishy!

Reconnect over after the summer with our Early Years Music Network.

Join Zannie (director) and Ella (performer) from the ‘Squishy’ team as they share their process of working with Early Years children and families to create this interactive storytelling experience. The session will focus on the use of everyday sounds, rhythm and voice in the show and involve a mixture of discussion and practical activities to explore together including singing, washing machine soundscapes and object puppetry!

‘When Squishy Goes Into the Washing Machine’ is an immersive installation for children aged 0-4 and their families that encourages audiences and performers to play and tell stories together, supported by Magic Acorns, Arts Council England and Norfolk County Council.

https://www.luminoustales.com/squishy

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Early Years Online CPD with Adrián Hernández and José Agüero – Teatro al Vacio

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Early Years Online CPD with Adrián Hernández and José Agüero – Teatro al Vacio

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Dates and times

Thursday 8th October 2026 ,

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Who's it for

Early Years practitioners and musicians and creatives.

Venue

Online

Book via our website : https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/cdp-teatro-al-vacio/

Join us and special guests Adrián Hernández and José Agüero, founders and co-directors of Teatro al Vacio.

This workshop is an invitation to pause, listen, and play again. Drawing on the experience of the Teatro al Vacío theater company, we will share practices and reflections on artistic creation for very young children, exploring the power of presence, the body, and the simplest of materials. It is a space for educators and artists to awaken their senses and discover new ways to engage in dialogue, create, and marvel alongside children.

Teatro al Vacío (Argentina/Mexico) is a collective engaged in ongoing research and creation, offering meaningful and alternative artistic proposals with and for children and young people. The collective focuses on physical and plastic performances with a minimalist aesthetic. Their creative processes aim to involve children and young people, based on the premise that their work fosters intergenerational dialogue and participation.

José Agüero is a performer and visual artist originally from Córdoba, Argentina. He trained as an actor at Teatro La Luna between 1993 and 2002. He has participated in several productions in Argentina and Mexico. He is the founder and co-director of the company Teatro al Vacío. Adrián Hernández holds a degree in Acting from the National School of Theatrical Art at the National Center for the Arts of the National Institute of Fine Arts (2000-2004). He also studied Dramatic Literature and Theater at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) from 1997 to 2000. He is the founder and co-director of the company Teatro al Vacío.

https://www.teatroalvacio.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@teatroalvacio

Book via our website : https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/cdp-teatro-al-vacio/

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Early Years online CPD with Takeshi Matsomoto

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Early Years online CPD with Takeshi Matsomoto

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Finding Space: MA in Practice for Dance, Early Years and Beyond

Online
Date : Thursday 3rd December
Time : 6.30pm-8.30pm

This online workshop explores Ma — the Japanese concept of space, pause, and the meaningful gaps between things — as a lens for dance, choreography, and facilitation with children and young audiences. Drawing on Takeshi’s practice across choreography, teaching, and facilitation, participants are invited to slow down, listen to their own bodies, and rediscover playfulness and creativity. No prior dance experience needed — just curiosity about space, stillness, and presence, and how these might shape your own practice with/for children.

Book online here :

https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/early-years-cdp-finding-space/

Takeshi Matsumoto
Dance Artist//Choreographer//Dance Movement Psychotherapist
w:https://sevencircles.co.uk/

Photo credit for above is Camilla Greenwell

For further information or any questions regarding booking, access requirements or information on the Little Beats project please contact Kasia Kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk

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Early Years CDP with Sonrisa Arts Workshop + Winter Network Meeting

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Early Years CDP with Sonrisa Arts Workshop + Winter Network Meeting

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Dates and times

Wednesday 17th February 2027

1:30pm – 5:00pm

Who's it for

Early Years practitioners and musicians.

Venue

The Seagull Theatre, Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH

https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/cdp-with-sonrisa-arts/

Join professional musician/composer, Anthony Kimber-McTiffen and dancer/musician/director, Kath Kimber-McTiffen from Sonrisa Arts for a practical CPD workshop which will share and explore Sonrisa Arts’ co-creation process with Early Years children and families.

The workshop will centre around the creation of immersive dance and music performance, Dance in the Dark, for ages 3+ and families and their co-creation process in the community and schools, using dance, movement and music to explore the concept of ‘the dark’.

We will explore facilitating a child-led approach, co-creating performances, using props and thematic ideas as creative stimulus and using live and recorded music.

Suitable for anyone who is currently working in Early Years/KS1 settings or who is interested in working in these settings and wants to develop practical child-led creative approaches using movement/dance and music.

The workshop will be largely practical, with time included for discussion and reflection. Please dress comfortably for movement. The workshop is suitable for Early Years artists, practitioners and teachers.

“If only every Monday could start by attending a Sonrisa Arts workshop to awaken the playfulness within us!” – CPD workshop participant

“This has brought more tools to my creative practice, helped me find more emphasis on how I approach certain creations” – CPD workshop participant

https://www.sonrisaarts.co.uk/danceinthedark

Dance in the Dark will be at Norwich Theatre on Thursday 18th February 27

Book via our website : https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/cdp-with-sonrisa-arts/

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https://www.magicacorns.co.uk/

Magic Acorns continues to work closely with Suffolk Artlink's Little Beats project, providing partnership in mentoring, space for reflection and thinking as mentorship for our musicians and co-developing of the programme.

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What Sounds Can You Hear 



by Saffron Paffron  

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What Sounds Can You Hear 



by Saffron Paffron  

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What Sounds Can You Hear

by Saffron Paffron

This beautiful song was created by Saffron for the nursery children at Pakefield Primary School as part of our Little Beats project.

The song encourages children's sensory exploration of the world around whilst providing an opportunity to slow down, listen and relax with friends and teachers.

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What Sounds Can You Hear by Saffron Paffron

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This song wonderful walking song was created for the nursery children at Pakefield Primary School by musician Jess Morgan as part of our Little Beats project.

The song encourages children's sensory exploration of the world around whilst providing an opportunity move to music, exploring the body and the immediate environment. A gentle and relaxing way to explore music and movement with friends and teachers.

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Thank you to Youth Music our major funder for Little Beats, a 3 year place-based Early Years music project in Lowestoft.

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Musical Development Matters in the Early Years | Youth Music Network

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Musical Development Matters in the Early Years

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Thank you to Suffolk County Council Culture Fund for funding our Little Beats program.

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Magic Acorns are looking for a freelance Artist Development Coordinator to join our small team for a 10 month long project.

33 days @ £250 per day

All details here - please share with your networks.

https://www.magicacorns.co.uk/artist-development-coordinator/

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We are looking for somebody who will play a key role in promoting and coordinating Magic Acorns’ Creative Professional Development (CPD) offers which support artist development both locally and nationally. As part of “Sustain”, our new Arts Council England-funded project running from June 2026 to June 2027, you will help define and grow Magic Acorns’ CPD offers that will develop a new generation of early years artists. This is a new and strategic role, sitting at the heart of our programme, you will be working alongside our core team to grow earned income, and build the long-term financial resilience of the organisation. You will help us to develop individual socially engaged artists and reach out to forge new connections with educational, arts and cultural, health and social care organisations nationally, informed by our hyper-local and relational approaches. Apply: Download the Artist Development Coordinator Recruitment Pack for more information and how to apply. Deadline: 2 August 2026 at 9pm Contact: info@magicacorns.co.uk If you have any questions about the role before applying, please do get in touch. We are happy to have an informal conversation. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently under-represented in the arts. Magic Acorns is committed to fair, inclusive and safer recruitment.

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Children and Childhoods Conference 2026

Date

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Children and Childhoods Conference 2026

Date

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Children and Childhoods Conference 2026

Date

15 July 2026

-

16 July 2026

Time

9.00 AM–4.00 PM

Location

Waterfront Building, Ipswich Campus

Address

University of Suffolk Waterfront Building 19 Neptune Quay Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1QJ

About the Children and Childhoods Conference

Building on a successful legacy, the Children and Childhoods Conference theoretically and empirically engages with children’s lives, across disciplines, to reflect the diverse nature of contemporary childhoods. We continue to uphold our inclusive ethos and aim to bring together academics, pedagogues, practitioners, policymakers, early career and postgraduate researchers and students. Places on the conference can be booked for one or both days.

The Keynote Speaker for the Conference will be Professor Doris Bühler-Niederberger.

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Join us for our 7th biennial Children and Childhoods Conference, with Keynote Speaker, Professor Doris Bühler-Niederberger. , We are excited to announce the seventh biennial Children and Childhoods Conference!

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Healthy Start Training for anyone interested or to share with networks ...

Healthy Start Training for Staff and Volunteers

If you would like to know more about the scheme please visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or sign up to a short training course via Suffolk CPD Healthy Start Training  For support or if you need to register on Suffolk CPD contact cpd@suffolk.gov.uk

Help spread the word about Healthy Start …

The Healthy Start scheme provides financial help for healthy food, milk and vitamins to eligible pregnant people and families with children under four. While uptake in Suffolk has increased from 50% in 2022 to 77% in 2024, we know more than 1,000 eligible families are still missing out. SCC is working alongside District and Borough councils across Suffolk to raise awareness of the scheme locally and help ensure eligible families access the support available to them.

Eligible families can receive:

£4.65 per week during pregnancy (from 10 weeks)

£9.30 per week for children under one

£4.65 per week for children aged one to four

Over a child's first four years, this could be worth around £1,000 per child, alongside access to free vitamins.

You can help by:

sharing campaign messages on social media using the National Healthy Start Promotion Toolkit online link or pdf attached

including information about Healthy Start in your newsletters and bulletins

adding information to your website or community noticeboards

encouraging eligible families to check whether they qualify How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

Healthy Start is available to families who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old, with a monthly ‘take-home pay’ (also called ‘earned income’) of £408 or less from employment or in receipt of Universal Credit. All pregnant under 18’s are eligible.

Suffolk has extended the vitamin scheme for families who are not eligible due to their immigration status, visit your local Family Hub for more information.

Families can check eligibility and apply at www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0345 607 6823 for support and translation services.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness and ensure more Suffolk families access the support they are entitled to.

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Community Performance Platform at DanceEast

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Community Performance Platform at DanceEast

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Hi all!

We are inviting local artists to express their interest in their community group performing as part of a Community Performance Platform at DanceEast this July.

This platform offers artists who work with community groups the opportunity to come together and share an evening of local work in a supportive, professional theatre setting. The focus is on connection, celebration and showcasing the amazing work happening within the region.

Event Details

Date: Sunday 05 July

Venue: DanceEast

Performance Time: 18:30 – 20:00

Tech Times: Between 10:45 - 14:45 (Each group allocated 30 minutes)

Full show run: 14:45 - 16:00 (all groups expected to attend)

Stage Dimensions: 10mx10m

Offerings

Each group will receive a £150 financial contribution.

Professional photographs of their performance

Professional video recording of their performance

Who Can Apply

We welcome expressions of interest from artists who work with a community group based in East Anglia.

Each performance must be no longer than 15 minutes and a minimum of 3 minutes

If your group includes people under the age of 18 years, please ensure you have the correct ratio of licensed chaperones to children

Please ensure that everyone in your group has given consent to be captured in photographs and videos that will be shared/used by Movement Connects C.I.C in their marketing (print and website) and across their social media (Instagram and Facebook). These may also be shared with our funders for use in our evaluation.

To apply, please complete the following form by 17:00 on Sunday 07 June 2026.

https://forms.gle/KpUxYkF9F9LJVbXY9

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Emma Zangs (she/her)

Co-director of Movement Connects C.I.C

T: 07792 402330

E: emma@movementconnects.org.uk

IG: @movement_connects

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Relaxing Song for children at Pakefield Primary School by Xenia Horne

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Relaxing Song for children at Pakefield Primary School by Xenia Horne

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This song lovely relaxing song was played for the nursery children at Pakefield Primary School by musician Xenia Horne as part of our Little Beats project.

The song used the magic of the moment and encouraged time and space within the busy school day to take a little time to rest, reset and relax along with teachers and TAs.

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With Natalie Whitney, Emily Godden and Keir Vine.

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The journal of community music || 2026 Issue 1

Community music in schools

Musician Xenia Horne has written a wonderful article for this fantastic journal of community music -look for article 3 :

Creating nurturing musical spaces in education Xenia Horne offers reflections from thirty years of community practice Xenia Horne !

:-)

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Sound Connections Mentoring programme opportunity for musicians

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Sound Connections Mentoring programme opportunity for musicians

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Application deadline:

Friday 24th April by 5pm

Paid artist development opportunity and training. Sensory Play.

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Grant finding web based app for artists/creatives in UK

(Made by Magic Acorns next door neighbours Possible Worlds)

note : monthly fee of £7 p/m for full access

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Grant Finder — UK grant database for artists – Possible Worlds

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Automated database of UK grants for artists. Weekly email alerts, smart matching, application tracking. £7/month, first 3 opportunities free.

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Dates and times

Tuesday 28th April 2026 , 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Who's it for

Early Years practitioners and musicians.

Venue

Lowestoft Library, Clapham Road South, Lowestoft, NR32 1DR

Please join us to reflect on the past 3 years of Little Beats, our place based Early Years Music Project in Lowestoft!

This session will provide the opportunity for our network to reflect on engagement with the project over the last few years whilst looking forward to think about the future of the project.

The afternoon will offer a chance to creatively engage with the project through hands on activity, plus peer to peer support and signposting.

Refreshments provided.

We look forward to seeing you, new faces are always welcome.

Contact kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk with any questions and for access requirements.

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Little Beats Network Meeting - Round Up - Suffolk Artlink

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Share knowledge, skills and experience to develop personal practice and creativity. Find out about training, opportunities and peer support.

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Basket of Sounds , Keir Vine / Little Beats

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Basket of Sounds , Keir Vine / Little Beats

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Enjoy this beautiful track put together by Little Beats musician Keir Vine and made in collaboration with the babies and parents/carers and our music for Mama+ sessions at Kirkley Family Hub last year. The track is a collection of moments and memories from the fantastic time we spent together exploring our breath, voices and each other's company in the sonic space. Use this soundscape to soothe the senses, for both babies and their adults.

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We are inviting East Anglian based freelance artists to connect with us as we begin developing a number of new programmes over the coming years.

We would like to hear about your work, your interests, and areas you would like to develop further. We will also be offering new training opportunities from March 2026.

We are particularly interested in artists with experience or interest in Early Years music, Musicianship, Makaton, SEND music, and Vocal/Choir leading.

If you are a local freelance artist and would like to connect with us, find out more via the link in our bio.

#artistcallout #musicfacilitators #cpd

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Britten Pears Arts on Instagram: "We are inviting East Anglian based freelance artists to connect with us as we begin developing a number of new programmes over the coming years.
 
We would like to hear about your work, your interests, and areas you would like to develop further. We will also be offering new training opportunities from March 2026.
 
We are particularly interested in artists with experience or interest in Early Years music, Musicianship, Makaton, SEND music, and Vocal/Choir leading.
 
If you are a local freelance artist and would like to connect with us, find out more via the link in our bio.

#artistcallout #musicfacilitators #cpd"

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179 likes, 2 comments - brittenpearsarts on March 14, 2026: "We are inviting East Anglian based freelance artists to connect with us as we begin developing a number of new programmes over the coming years.
 
We would like to hear about your work, your interests, and areas you would like to develop further. We will also be offering new training opportunities from March 2026.
 
We are particularly interested in artists with experience or interest in Early Years music, Musicianship, Makaton, SEND music, and Vocal/Choir leading.
 
If you are a local freelance artist and would like to connect with us, find out more via the link in our bio.

#artistcallout #musicfacilitators #cpd". 

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View this post on Instagram

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Youth Music - exploring Co-Creation with young children

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Youth Music - exploring Co-Creation with young children

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The Fitzwilliam Museum are seeking an Early Years & Schools Museum Educator

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The Fitzwilliam Museum are seeking an Early Years & Schools Museum Educator

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The Fitzwilliam Museum are seeking an Early Years & Schools Museum Educator to support the development and delivery of programmes for babies, toddlers and school age young people. The post holder will work across museum galleries, dedicated learning spaces and community settings in Cambridgeshire to deliver child led, sessions that use the collections to promote creative exploration and critical thinking.

Salary: £33,951-£39,906 pro rata
Part-time: 18.5 hours per week (2.5 or 3 days Tuesday – Thursday, pattern to be agreed)

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026 (midnight)

https://fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/about-us/work-with-us/details/museum-educator-early-years-and-schools-part-time

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Museum Educator: Early years & Schools (Part Time)

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Opportunity to connect : Exploring the life of materials in early years practice. Baljit Gill

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Opportunity to connect : Exploring the life of materials in early years practice. Baljit Gill

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Exciting news from the Literacy Trust; we are looking for a new member of staff to work in the Leiston and surrounding area. Please, if you have time, could I ask you to share on any newsletters or platforms you have.

Closing date 5th February.

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Project Officer, Literacy Champions (East Suffolk) | National Literacy Trust

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We empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Together we're helping people change their stories. You could join us to support our work with volunteers across East Suffolk.

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Music in Autism Resource Bases - Summary of Scoping Review - Live Music Now

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We are eager to share outcomes from our AHRC-funded research project (a collaboration with the University of South Wales) as they arise, to ensure that we are

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We Need Your Help: Take Our 2025 Practitioner Survey

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The mental health crisis among children and we need your help to understand the full picture and learn how we can support you in your work.

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Sound Sense Gathering Wednesday 12 November, 10.30am to 12pm UK time

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Sound Sense Gathering Wednesday 12 November, 10.30am to 12pm UK time

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Sound Sense Gathering Wednesday 12 November, 10.30am to 12pm UK time
We’d love you to join us next week for our early years music online Gathering, hosted by Jess Pitt. We’ll be starting our discussion with the question:

“How does community music practice foster very young children's agency / autonomy / 'voice'?”

https://www.soundsense.org/DB/events-2/sound-sense-gathering-6

People under three (and some other humans) express themselves in many ways which do not rely on words. In this gathering we’ll share ideas and discuss the ways that music practice can open possibilities for very young children to express their choices and ideas. Join us to discuss the sorts of musical activities that you have found that rely on young children’s agency and autonomy.

Everyone is welcome
We’d love you to invite friends and colleagues to this event – all those interested in community music, music education and/or music therapy are very welcome to attend. We aim to make our sessions open and inclusive to all practitioners, whether you are just starting out on your career in music or have years of experience to share. Please let me know if you or your guests have specific access needs relating to online meetings.

Dates for your diary
We also have online Gatherings arranged for December and January. If you have any ideas for Gathering themes for February onwards, or would like to host a Gathering yourself then please let me know. Zoom details for all Gatherings will be emailed during the week before, with a  reminder on the day.
·       Community music outdoors with Rebecca Denniff - 9 December, 7pm to 8.30pm
·       Mental health & wellbeing with Carol Bowden - 6 January, 7pm to 8.30pm

https://www.soundsense.org/DB/events-2/sound-sense-gathering-6

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Sound Sense :: Sound Sense Gathering :: supporting community music

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Perkins, et al. (2025). Music and Parental Wellbeing: A Position Paper. Music & Science

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Perkins, et al. (2025). Music and Parental Wellbeing: A Position Paper. Music & Science

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https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043251351761 (Original work published 2025)

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This evening. Sound Sense Gathering Online 7pm-8.30pm

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This evening. Sound Sense Gathering Online 7pm-8.30pm

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Sound Sense Gathering Tuesday 14 October, 7pm to 8.30pm

We’d love you to join us next Tuesday evening for our ‘Community music-making in schools’ Gathering, hosted by Sound Sense board members Kimberley Harper and Ellie Knott. Bring your experiences and questions around working as a music practitioner with children and young people in mainstream and/or specialised education. We’ll start by asking “What relationships exist between community music, music education and therapeutic practices in school settings?” and then see where the discussion takes us!

Here are the Zoom joining details:

Topic: October Gathering: community music-making in schools

Time: Oct 14, 2025 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85060954705?pwd=azJMqG4RAzUNDfIiKIn5ZtOViTuTR7.1

Meeting ID: 850 6095 4705

Passcode: classroom

Everyone is welcome

We’d love you to invite friends and colleagues to this event – all those interested in community music, music education and/or music therapy are very welcome to attend. We aim to make our sessions open and inclusive to all practitioners, whether you are just starting out on your career in music or have years of experience to share. Please let me know if you or your guests have specific access needs relating to online meetings.

Dates for your diary

We also have online Gatherings arranged for November, December and January. If you have any ideas for Gathering themes for February onwards, or would like to host a Gathering yourself (you don’t have to be a board member!) then please let me know. Zoom details for all these Gatherings will be emailed a week ahead with a reminder on the day.

·       Early Years music with Jess Pitt - 12 November, 10.30am to 12pm

·       Community music outdoors with Rebecca Denniff - 9 December, 7pm to 8.30pm

·       Mental health & wellbeing with Carol Bowden - 6 January, 7pm to 8.30pm

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Music Champions Early Years Music Symposium

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Music Champions Early Years Music Symposium

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Invitation to invite you to Music Champions Early Years Symposium on Wednesday 8th October 9.30am-3.30pm at Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester.

It will be an inspiring event celebrating and sharing insights from the two-year Music Champions project. This gathering will bring together teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, and artists to explore early years music across a variety of settings.

This full-day event will provide an insight into the project, both the practice and its impact. There will be keynotes and case studies, as well as practical workshops that provide lots of ideas and inspiration you can take back into your settings.

Speakers will include:-

Dr Helen Lyndon, Centre for Early Childhood Research (CREC)

Nicola Burke, Early Years Music Specialist

Rhona Mathison, Starcatchers, Scotland’s Arts and Early Years Organisation.

More information can be found here: https://thesparkarts.co.uk/events/music-champions-symposium/

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The Spark Arts for Children – Sparking creativity and change

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With over twenty years’ experience, we help children across Leicestershire immerse themselves in the arts and discover their skills, passions and potential.

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Early Years Music Network Autumn Meeting Friday 24th October 2025, Lowestoft Library, 1.30pm to 4pm

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Early Years Music Network Autumn Meeting Friday 24th October 2025, Lowestoft Library, 1.30pm to 4pm

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Guest speaker : Keir Patrick from Second Hand Dance

https://www.secondhanddance.co.uk/about-us/partners

Second Hand Dance Company Manager Keir will share the creative ethos of Second Hand Dance, and his history with the company as well as how Sticky Dance has been created.

We facilitate 4 x Network meetings per project year and run a program of FREE early years music CPD training for musicians, early years settings and staff in Lowestoft.

We are now entering our third year of our Lowestoft based Early Years Music project Little Beats. Over the past two years we have built an active network of Early Years settings and musicians. We provide EY Music training and peer support whilst identifying gaps in EY music provision in Lowestoft.

We hope that you can join us! Our Autumn network will offer time to connect with other EY practitioners, local musicians and organisations whilst finding out what else is on offer. Our network provide the opportunity to share practice in a supportive environment.

Please feel free to share these opportunities with relevant EY staff, settings, contacts and musicians in the Lowestoft area.

Any further questions please do get in touch!

Kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk

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Free CPD Sensory Play with Natalya Martin. Tuesday 11th November 2025 , 5:00pm – 8:00pm

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Free CPD Sensory Play with Natalya Martin. Tuesday 11th November 2025 , 5:00pm – 8:00pm

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Join us for an evening of CPD with Natalya Martin. Natalya’s a multi-disciplinary artist and theatre director. Her work centres on all things sensory, and is rooted in community, co-creation, wellbeing and play. She works with young people, with a focus on creating for and with disabled young people who have the most barriers to access. She’s worked with companies such as Oily Cart, Sense, Frozen Light, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Young V&A, Norwich Theatre, plus more. She provides support for theatre companies, community organisations and individuals and runs a variety of sensory-focused workshops.

This workshop will be of specific interest to those working in early years SEND settings, schools and nurseries.

Little Beats is a 3 year Early Years Music project in Lowestoft. Our aim is to build an active network of Early Years settings, provide EY Music training and peer support as well as identifying EY music provision in Lowestoft. We aim to facilitate 4 Network meetings per year and run a program of FREE early years music CPD training for EY setting staff in Lowestoft.

We hope that you can join us! Please do feel free to share these opportunities with relevant EY staff, settings, contacts and musicians in the Lowestoft area.

Any further questions please do get in touch!

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Join us for an evening of CPD with Natalya Martin. Natalya's a multi-disciplinary artist and theatre director. Her work centres on all things sensory, and is rooted in community, co-creation, wellbeing and play. She works with young people, with a focus on creating for and with disabled young people who have the most barriers to access. She's worked with companies such as Oily Cart, Sense, Frozen Light, Discover Children's Story Centre, Young V&A, Norwich Theatre, plus more. She provides support for theatre companies, community organisations and individuals and runs a variety of sensory-focused workshops.

This workshop will be of specific interest to those working in early years SEND settings, schools and nurseries.

Little Beats is a 3 year Early Years Music project in Lowestoft. Our aim is to build an active network of Early Years settings, provide EY Music training and peer support as well as identifying EY music provision in Lowestoft. We aim to facilitate 4 Network meetings per year and run a program of FREE early years music CPD training for EY setting staff in Lowestoft.

We hope that you can join us! Please do feel free to share these opportunities with relevant EY staff, settings, contacts and musicians in the Lowestoft area.

Any further questions please do get in touch!

Session details

Who's it for Early Years practitioners and musicians.

Venue

The Seagull Theatre, Morton Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0JH
The Seagull Theatre's access information page
Updated access information

The Seagull is wheelchair accessible in studio 4 (the down stairs studio) the theatre, workhshop and backstage areas. All of this is flat level access, including through to the accessible loo.
The upper floor can be accessed via the lift which provides direct access to studio 2. Access to studio 1 and Studio 3 is also possible without further steps, but doorways are relatively narrow.
Sadly the access to the green room and the two upstairs toilets is still via further stairs so we recommend that people use the lift to access the downstairs accessible toilet instead.

How to attend

Similar sessions

Part of Little Beats

A download activity for you to enjoy at home. Find out more

Part of Little Beats

A download activity for you to enjoy at home. Find out more

Part of Little Beats

A download activity for you to enjoy at home. Find out more

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Sensory Play CPD with Natalya Martin - Suffolk Artlink

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Join us for an evening of CPD with Natalya Martin. Natalya's a multi-disciplinary artist and theatre director.

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We target our work in the communities that need help most, working with local partners to deliver place-based solutions. National Literacy Trust Hubs create long-term change in communities where low levels of literacy are entrenched, intergenerational and seriously impacting on people's lives.

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We target our work in the communities that need help most, working with local partners to deliver place-based solutions. National Literacy Trust Hubs create long-term change in communities where low levels of literacy are entrenched, intergenerational and seriously impacting on people's lives.

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Music education for children and young people in Norfolk & Suffolk UK, music in schools, primary school music, secondary school music, music lessons

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Spinning Wheel Theatre - Co-Creation workshop for theatre-makers

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Spinning Wheel Theatre - Co-Creation workshop for theatre-makers

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Wednesday 20 August

9.30am - 4.30pm

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, in the NW2 building

£45 per person -

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Magic Acorns

Saturday, September 13 · 9am - 7:30pm GMT+1 An interdisciplinary gathering for extravagant ideas about art and people under three.

Ripple Launch on Friday 12th September, A day of workshops and an observer seat for an early years performance on Sunday 14th September.

Please note: tickets for the Sunday workshops are not included in Symposium general admission and must be booked separately.

Friday 12th September, 4.30-7.30pm - Festival Launch

All symposium ticket holders will receive an invitation to join us to launch the Ripple Festival at an early evening reception at Bakehouse GY. There will be an exhibtion and access to an interactive play environment in our dedicated early years arts space next door.

Sunday 14th September - Workshops

Early Bird symposium ticket holders get early access to book onto additional workshops on Sunday 14th September. You can book one or both workshops at a reduced rate.

10am-1pm: Takeshi Matsumoto, Playful Bodies: Movement and Materials

2-5pm: Charlotte Arculus, Deep listen - Deep play

Sunday 14th September - Early years show observer seats at 11am and 1pm

Limited observer spaces for Counting Sheep. A touching, musical adventure filled with sensory play for babies and toddlers. These will be limited availability.

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How to get here

St George’s Theatre
King Street
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 2PG

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An interdisciplinary gathering for extravagant ideas about art and people under three.

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Looking for 2 new musicians to join our Little Beats team.

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Looking for 2 new musicians to join our Little Beats team.

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Early Years Music Call Out

For musicians, practitioners and creatives

Freelance opportunities and free continual professional development (CPD) led by musicians, academics, and early years practitioners who deliver fun, engaging and educational musical experiences with children and famillies.

Are you a vocalist, instrumentalist or musical creative?

Would you like to gain skills making music in community settings with children aged 0-5 and their families?

Contact Kasia on kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk if you would like more information about this call out or information on upcoming offers, network meetings and free CPD opportunities.

Delivered by Suffolk Artlink

In partnership with Magic Acorns, Britten Pears, Suffolk Community Libraries, Lowestoft Rising, Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, The Literacy Trust, Morabe Rural Music.

Funded by Youth Music and Music for All.

Timeframe

Register expression of interest by 5pm on Monday 11th August 2025

Interview date Wednesday 3rd September 2025

New recruits ready to start in October for planning community delivery, shadowing, and CPD.

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Come and work with us at Suffolk Artlink. Read about our job listings are details.

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Sound Sense Gathering 18 June with Xenia Horne

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Sound Sense Gathering 18 June with Xenia Horne

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Sound Sense Gathering 18 June, 10.30am to 12pm UK time

Join us online next Wednesday morning for our ‘Early Years Music' themed Gathering, hosted by Sound Sense board member Xenia Horne. All those interested in community music, music education and music therapy are very welcome to attend – so please do consider inviting friends and colleagues who might be interested.

Here are the Zoom joining details:

Topic: June Gathering - Early Years Music

Time: Jun 18, 2025 10:30 AM London

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84110225574?pwd=GROXGaXmemG3aF5AXJ6hMJkEpqbIO7.1

Meeting ID: 841 1022 5574

Passcode: encounter

Before we meet

We’ll be discussing early years practice and supporting each other with ideas and resources: we encourage you to come along with a song, activity or reflection that you’d like to share at this Gathering.

We look forward to seeing you next week, or at another Gathering soon!

Best wishes,

Clare

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We facilitate 4 Network meetings per project year and run a program of FREE early years music CPD training for EY settings and staff in Lowestoft.

Book Here : https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/early-years-network-summer-25/

We are now entering our third year of our Lowestoft based Early Years Music project Little Beats. Over the past two years we have built an active network of Early Years settings and musicians. We provide EY Music training and peer support whilst identifying gaps in EY music provision in Lowestoft.

We hope that you can join us! The Summer Network will offer time to connect with other EY practitioners, local musicians and organisations whilst finding out what else is on offer. Our network provide the opportunity to share practice in a supportive environment.

Guest speaker to be announced soon.

Please feel free to share these opportunities with relevant EY staff, settings, contacts and musicians in the Lowestoft area.

Any further questions please do get in touch!

Kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk

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Fitzwilliam Museum Opportunity for Early Years Artists

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Fitzwilliam Museum Opportunity for Early Years Artists

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Sophie Fox shared this fantastic opportunity for early years artists to run 12 sessions at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

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Cultural Champions offer for Lowestoft schools

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Cultural Champions offer for Lowestoft schools

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Cultural Champions Slide Deck  - Shareable

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Once Upon a Tune with Caroline Speca and James Mathew

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Once Upon a Tune with Caroline Speca and James Mathew

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An exciting opportunity for schools to experience an interdisciplinary musical and artistic storytelling performance.

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ONCE UPON A TUNE with Caroline Speca and James Mayhew

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Observing Visually Impaired Children Learning Through Play

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Observing Visually Impaired Children Learning Through Play

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Explore how blind children engage in play experiences to adapt your pedagogy and redesign activities to enhance their learning with this online course from the LEGO Foundation.

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Early Years Music CPD with Penny Osmond, Music at Heart

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Early Years Music CPD with Penny Osmond, Music at Heart

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Little Beats Workshop Feb 25th 2025

Penny Osmond is one of the music practitioners for Music at Heart, a therapeutic singing intervention for groups of new mothers experiencing mental health issues or low mood. In this session Penny introduces some of the techniques, concepts and repertoire her team use to work with the mothers, and hopes to form a welcoming group of participants on the day to discuss how we can create safe spaces for vulnerable new mums, how we can use music as an intervention for perinatal mental health, and why it feels so good to sing together.

Penny delivered a wonderful online session with Ayozie Pollendine last year, we look forward to welcoming Penny to the Seagull in February.

Little Beats is a 3 year Early Years Music project in Lowestoft. Our aim is to build an active network of Early Years settings, provide EY Music training and peer support as well as identifying EY music provision in Lowestoft. We aim to facilitate 4 Network meetings per year and run a program of FREE early years music CPD training for EY setting staff in Lowestoft.

We hope that you can join us! Please do feel free to share these opportunities with relevant EY staff, settings, contacts and musicians in the Lowestoft area.

Any further questions please do get in touch!

Session details

Dates and times

Tuesday 25th February 2025 , 11:00am – 2:00pm

The Hut (external location, part of The Seagull Theatre)

The Mens Shed is located at 32a Stradbroke Road, Pakefield, NR33 7HN

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Early Years Music CPD with Penny Osmond, Music at Heart - Suffolk Artlink

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In this session Penny introduces some of the techniques, concepts and repertoire her team use to work with the mothers.

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Free Online Workshop with Sophie Fox from Magic Acorns! Loose Parts Play. Thursday 16th January 6pm-8.30pm.

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Free Online Workshop with Sophie Fox from Magic Acorns! Loose Parts Play. Thursday 16th January 6pm-8.30pm.

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Join for a fun, interactive and inspiring workshop with Sophie Fox. Book via the link below : https://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/sessions/loose-parts-play-with-artist-sophie-fox/

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Loose Parts Play with artist Sophie Fox - Suffolk Artlink

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Sophie Fox will share their love of offering open-ended loose parts as provocations for creativity and sound play in early years sessions.

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Thank you Xenia for sharing this wonderful resource!

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Poppies Pre-School in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire (Scotland) has adopted a Froebelian approach to its work with babies and young children.

Poppies was shortlisted for the prestigious "Nursery of the Year Award" at the Nursery World Awards 2024.

The high quality of the educators at Poppies' work with young children was also noted in their last inspection report (March 2023):

"The service supports a Froebelian ethos and children were at the heart of all planning. This was focussed on developing skills for life. Children were recognised as capable and responsible and were developing a love of learning through play experiences... The setting was warm, welcoming and inviting for the children and families. It was evident that children mattered, and they had been valued and respected throughout the development of this high-quality learning environment..."
The Care Inspectorate

Poppies Pre-School, Laurencekirk, Scotland - a Froebelian early years setting

In May 2024, two educators (Chloe McLaughlin and Kerri Stephen) from Poppies Pre-School appeared as guests on the Froebel Trust Podcast - Episode 11 ( Time to focus on babies in early years settings). This episode explored what it's like working in a baby room today and reflected on the skills and knowledge educators caring for babies need. Listen now.

Sharon Imray, Headteacher at Poppies, was awarded a Froebel Trust action research grant in 2023 for a project designed to further develop inclusive practice at the setting. The project - A Sense of Belonging - posed the question, "Are we doing everything to ensure that every child/family in our community has a sense of belonging?".

Sharon shared the learning from this project with early years leaders and educators from across the UK during a Froebel Trust webinar ' Let's talk about race in the early years' (held in July 2024).

The team at Poppies is currently working in partnership with another setting in Scotland on a new Froebel Trust funded project - Weaving Together - developing the use of Froebel's Occupation of weaving to bring young children, families and their local community closer together. This project will report back in Autumn 2025.

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Poppies Pre-School in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire (Scotland) has adopted a Froebelian approach to its work with babies and young children. Poppies was shortlisted for the prestigious "Nursery of the Year Award" at the Nursery World Awards 2024.

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Spark! Collaborative Music Practice for Health | Britten Pears Arts. FREE EVENT.

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Spark! Collaborative Music Practice for Health | Britten Pears Arts. FREE EVENT.

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Britten Pears Arts are delighted to be hosting, alongside The Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, The Cambridge School of Creative Industries,  a professional development opportunity for performing musicians and music therapists who have an interest in working in health and care settings. This event focuses on collaborative practice and will enable participants to extend their skills, practice, and knowledge in the use of music to support health and wellbeing.

The day will be a mixture of experiential practice, theory of collaboration, small group work, experiential teaching, group and pair work. Focused on collaborative artistic practice, practitioners will be able to use new knowledge to inform their own practice as well as application in health and care settings, practitioner wellbeing and the integration of relevant theory and policy into their work.

Saturday 25 January 2025

09.30-17.00

Britten Pears Building, Snape Maltings, Suffolk, IP17 1SP

The event is free attend, with lunch and refreshments provided.

Places are limited so please book early.

Spark! Collaborative Music Practice for Health | Britten Pears Arts

We hope this will be of interest, please do also share with anyone your networks.

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Spark! Collaborative Music Practice for Health | Britten Pears Arts

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Welcome to Britten Pears Arts, the pioneering charity making music useful. Home to Snape Maltings, The Red House and the Aldeburgh Festival.

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Georgian lullably offered by Xenia at her CPD workshop in November.

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Norwegian Lullaby offered by Haley at Xenia's CPD workshop.

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This is the song that was offered to the room by Xenia at our Network meeting on Monday 2nd December :-)

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Magic Acorns, Time and Space artist opportunity!! 

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Magic Acorns, Time and Space artist opportunity!! 

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https://www.magicacorns.co.uk/post/time-space-collaboration-opportunities

We are looking for expressions of interest from freelance, socially engaged arts practitioners

and theatre makers for our Time&Space collaboration.

Time&Space is a package of support towards research & development and/or creation of new multi-disciplinary performative works for very young children (0-3yrs), including opportunities to present performances during Ripple Fest in September 2025.

We are offering two awards for individuals or small companies in the process of making new work or developing funding proposals including Arts Council England’s DYCP or NLPG.

Our EY Arts Space is situated in the heart of Great Yarmouth town where we run regular weekly groups for families with very young children. We are connected with arts, cultural, community venues and nursery settings in the area, and will arrange opportunities to share your work in progress.

Magic Acorns will be presenting ‘Ripple’ a ground-breaking early years arts festival 13th - 23rd Sept 2025 in Great Yarmouth. The Time&Space offer includes paid opportunities to present performances/try outs as part of the festival programme working with one of our partner venues.

Download the information pack for more details and please share with your networks.

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Time & Space Collaboration Opportunities

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We are looking for expressions of interest from freelance, socially engaged arts practitionersand theatre makers for our Time&Space collaboration. Time&Space is a package of support towards research & development and/or creation of new multi-disciplinary performative works for very young children (0-3yrs), including paid opportunities to present performances during Ripple Fest in September 2025.We are offering two awards for individuals or small companies in the process of making new work or de

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Music and Parental Wellbeing Research Network

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Music and Parental Wellbeing Research Network

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Event 2 (online)

Date: Tuesday 5 November 2024

Times: 0730-0900 GMT (option 1) and 1600-1730 GMT (option 2)

Location: Online on Zoom

Focus: How can music practitioners working in music and parental wellbeing be supported and cared for?

Cost: FREE

https://www.musicandparentalwellbeing.org/all-events/event-2/

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/takeshi-matsumoto-sounds-of-the-body-an-online-workshop-tickets-1037814068817?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Let’s Talk About Race in the Early Years - An Online Webinar

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With authors Stella Louis and Hannah Betteridge

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Next Level awards

Designed to support musicians ready to pursue a career-changing opportunity.

If you’re a musician with a strong track record but lacking the resources to embark on larger and longer-term projects, then our Next Level award might help.

With a programme of one-to-one business advice and peer support, alongside financial support to help you pursue your opportunity, this is designed to help you take your career to the next level.

Who is this for?

This support is for musicians who create, perform or release their own music but lack the resources to take on ambitious projects.

If you need support to help record and release your next album, take your music on tour, or join a long-term course, we can help make that happen, all whilst providing you with business skills and networks to help you grow your career.

Full eligibility criteria and details of what our panel are looking for can be found in the application guidance.

What does the Award include?

6 hours of one-to-one business advice from industry experts

Online meet-ups with other awardees and industry guests

Up to £3,000 towards your own music activity

Invites to online peer drop-in spaces with other musicians (optional)

Access to a healthy practice session delivered by BAPAM (optional)

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Designed to support musicians ready to pursue a career-changing opportunity

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Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub: FREE Subscription for Suffolk Schools

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Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub: FREE Subscription for Suffolk Schools

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Please share with schools and teachers.

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We are delighted to announce that Norfolk Music Service are the lead partner for both Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, which moving forward will be named Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub.

We are pleased to announce a FREE subscription for the next academic year, which will enable us to share upcoming exciting projects, opportunities, and information with you as well as access to Charanga, an online platform that provides a full music scheme of work, resources to support teachers and students to achieve their musical ambitions.
⤓ Suffolk Subscription Info Booklet
Please register for the opportunity below.

Register

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Data protection
The data you provide on this form will be used by data processors contracted by Norfolk County Council and stored within internal servers in the UK. If the media includes images of a child or young person it will not be used two years after the date the image was taken. Data requests should be referred in the first instance to Alison Brain who can be contacted at alison.brain@norfolk.gov.uk .

Click here to read our Data Protection Policy

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Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub: FREE Subscription for Suffolk Schools - Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub

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We are delighted to announce that Norfolk Music Service are the lead partner for both Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, which moving forward will be named Norfolk and Suffolk Music

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Memories from First Light Festival with Suffolk Artlink

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Image Credits to Suffolk Artlink and Lewis Wickwar. A beautiful sunny day! Me and Natalie Willis met at Stonecutters Way and filled our cars with all theresources that had been listed. The packing was easy, everything was counted and packed intosuitcases and labelled. We had a cup of tea before leaving.Sat Navs on and off we go!Puddles on the road as we passed James Paget! I have a raincoat and as I’m following Natalie wedrive to hers to get her raincoat. Way ahead of time!We get to the off-load

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The Nest EP - created as part of an EY arts residency in Great Yarmouth - featuring Sara Moreira on track 1 vocals! 

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The Nest EP - created as part of an EY arts residency in Great Yarmouth - featuring Sara Moreira on track 1 vocals! 

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Roly Poly - showreel 01 Jan 2024 development week

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Taking a Learner-Centred Approach to Music Education: Pedagogical Pathways

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Adopting a fresh approach to the assumptions and concepts which underlie musical learning, Taking a Learner-Centred Approach to Music Education provides comprehensive guidance on professional and pedagogical aspects of learner-centred practice. This essential companion offers a pedagogy which is at once informed by theoretical understandings, and is underpinned by experience, practical examples, case studies and self-reflection. Initial chapters explore the theoretical dimensions of learner-cen

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Bursary to attend MERYC England Conference 

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Bursary to attend MERYC England Conference 

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As part of the Energiser Learning Community, we're recruiting a Research Assistant and would be grateful if you can share the role with your networks. It's a paid opportunity for someone interested in research and evaluation to develop their skills and experience. We're looking for someone with a creative background and some experience in an early years role/setting - but they don't need to have any research/evaluation experience to date. To address the inequity and lack of diversity in research and evaluation roles, we're particularly interested in applications from people who have experienced barriers to this kind of work.

The role description and application information can be found here, and the deadline is Monday 23rd September:

Work with us - Groundswell Arts

There are also posts about the role on Youth Music's social media pages if you'd like to share those.

Thanks so much and let me know if you have any questions!

Jenn

Jennifer Raven

Energiser Learning Community Research Lead

Groundswell Arts

07725 946836--

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Contact Spinning Wheel Theatre directly for more info. amy@spinningwheeltheatre.com

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From: Lucy-Eve Wright <lwright@brittenpearsarts.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 3:43 PM
Subject: BPA Trainee Music Leader 2024-25

Hello,

Applications are currently open for our next Trainee Music Leader Scheme in partnership with Spitalfields Music.

We would be grateful if you could share this with anyone you know who might be interested in applying!

Trainee Music Leader Scheme
Open for applications now
September 2024 - July 2025

Britten Pears Arts delivers projects across East Suffolk to support the health and wellbeing of individuals and to strengthen communities. We create opportunities for local from all backgrounds and genres to build their music leadership skills in a variety of settings. Through training and experience delivered by skilled practitioners, we are keen to connect and support a diverse pool of artists to help us deliver our work in the local community.

This scheme is a paid, practical training programme for musicians from across the country, working in all genres, who are passionate about creative music-making in community settings. The majority of alumni still work in the industry, including some of the most respected workshop facilitators and animateurs in the sector today. Trainees will have the opportunity to develop their music leadership skills through hands-on experience and training, and learn from experienced music leaders in a supportive professional environment.

We are looking for an East Anglia-based musician to host. We are open to musicians of any specialism, with the quality of musicianship being our priority. However, we are keen to meet people with an interest in working with schools, families and young people. In particular any instrumentalists who are also strong singers and enjoy co-creating music with participants.

We would like to expand our artist pool in West Suffolk and Lowestoft, and particularly welcome applications from artists from those areas, however this is not essential.

How can I apply?

Download the 2024 Trainee Music Leader Application Pack to find out more about the scheme and its hosts. You’ll find a link to the application form on the final page of the pack.

More information can also be found on the Spitalfields Music website.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 15th July, with auditions to be held on 22nd, 23rd and 24th July 2024. The scheme will begin in September, opening with a weekend of activity that will include meetings, skills training and networking opportunities.

Best wishes,

Lucy-Eve

Lucy-Eve Wright

Producer, Community

(she/her)

brittenpearsarts.org

01728 687165

Snape Maltings, Snape, IP17 1SP

The Red House, Golf Lane, Aldeburgh, IP15 5PZ

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Hello,

My name is Charly and I'm an early years artist and musician based in Suffolk. I sing, play the clarinet and enjoy creating relaxed and interactive musical experiences for young children and their grown ups.

www.charlottejolly.co.uk

charlottelouisejolly@gmail.com

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Join DARTS for their The Early Years Conference: Using the Arts for Children’s Wellbeing on Tuesday 2nd July 10am – 1pm online via Zoom.  

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Join DARTS for their The Early Years Conference: Using the Arts for Children’s Wellbeing on Tuesday 2nd July 10am – 1pm online via Zoom.  

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This activity is part of Tuneful Chatter, funded by Arts Council England Place Partnerships and City of Doncaster Council, working with evaluation partners Sheffield Hallam University and the National Literacy Trust.

Tuneful Chatter is a joyful, inspiring programme of creative activity responding directly to the pandemic’s detrimental impact on Doncaster 0–5-year-olds - supporting children to explore, learn and connect, while recognising additional needs and a range of abilities. Experienced artists deliver playful weekly sessions using movement, music and drama to improve communication, language, social, emotional and behavioural skills; enabling children to catch up on essential development. Sessions currently take place in 12 settings including Family Hubs, Nurseries, EYFS schools and cultural venues.

Building on our 2022 pilot, and using proven approaches, Tuneful Chatter bridges the gap in opportunities for personal, social and emotional development (PSED) engendered by the pandemic. Parents and carers gain creative tools and activities they can use at home, sustaining the experiences and impacts of Tuneful Chatter. Teachers and early years practitioners are collaborating with artists to broaden their skills, co-plan and co-deliver activity so knowledge and experienced is shared and sustained long-term.

Join us for an informative and inspiring day of discussions and networking, with keynote speakers Dr Eunice Lumsden & Samantha Weeks.

Please book your space for the conference by following the Eventbrite link above.

Thanks and all the best,

Sarah

Sarah Eastaff (she/her)

Director (Arts and Education)

01302 493844

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Come and join us for an informative and inspiring day of discussions and networking, with keynote speakers Professor Eunice Lumsden & Samantha Weeks.

What we experience in our early years, from conception to the age of five, shapes the developing brain, which is why positive physical, emotional and cognitive development during this period is so crucial. Investing in children's play is one of the most important aspects of improving children's health and wellbeing.

The arts play an important role in enriching young people's learning and educational experiences. Exposure to the arts can unlock potential in young people, helping them to develop skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and problem solving.
This activity is part of Tuneful Chatter, funded by Arts Council England Place Partnerships and City of Doncaster Council, working with evaluation partners Sheffield Hallam University and the National Literacy Trust. The programme is led by Darts, Cast and City of Doncaster Council's Early Years Intervention and Prevention Service.

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Eventbrite - DARTS, CAST, CITY OF DONCASTER COUNCIL presents EARLY YEARS CONFERENCE - Tuesday, 2 July 2024 - Find event and ticket information.

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EYFS Freelance Musician Opportunity Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

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EYFS Freelance Musician Opportunity Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds are looking to pay a freelance EYFS arts practitioner to lead weekly high quality Early Years activities for low-income and vulnerable families in Haverhill,  teaching reading and play skills through creative play. Project participants will be ante-natal mothers, babies and children under 5 (and their parents). Weekly capacity for 25 participants. The project will improve language acquisition and help disadvantaged children meet the Early Years Foundation Stage goals. A safe and warm space will be offered to participants, along with refreshments and snacks. At the end of the project year, there will be a celebration event - Theatre Royal will bring a live performance to the venue at which the project takes place, providing access to a high quality professional theatre piece to all participants.

If this is the sort of project that excites you and would like to find out more please send your interest to David Whitney, Head of Creative Learning

David.whitney@theatreroyal.org along with any links to your work.

Best Wishes,

David

David Whitney

Head of Creative Learning

Preferred Pronouns: he/him

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1QR

01284 829935

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Please add anything else of interest to our EY Network here!

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Please add anything else of interest to our EY Network here!

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Musical Storytelling at Kirkley Family Hub for National Reading Week

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Musical Storytelling at Kirkley Family Hub for National Reading Week

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Charlie Hall and Charlie Jolly

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Play space

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Abigail and Becca St Andrews Tots Group after session relection.

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Fun with Nat and Kat at Red Oak Primary on World Book Day!

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Fun with Nat and Kat at Red Oak Primary on World Book Day!

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Where's Wally ?

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Nate Holder and Kayleen Shani swap their published books!

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Please upload any interesting sound recording here!

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Please upload any interesting sound recording here!

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Please share resources, repertoire, ideas, links here 

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Please share resources, repertoire, ideas, links here 

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Please feel free to add to this reading list :

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Please feel free to add to this reading list :

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Some of the books that Dr Jessica Pitt kindly bought in for our CPD session at The Seagull Theatre.

Taking a Learner-Centred Approach to Music Education Laura Huhtinen-Hildén, Jessica Pitt

Musiking by Christopher G. Small

Understanding Music Education Mary Stakelum

Art and Intimacy Ellen Dissanayake

Music with the Under-fours Susan Young

Art, Artists and Pedagogy Christopher Naughton (Editor), Gert Biesta (Editor), David Cole (Editor)

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Offer for educational settings from Norfolk and Suffolk music hub this term!

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Offer for educational settings from Norfolk and Suffolk music hub this term!

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Hello,

I am emailing to let you know about an exciting free opportunity for your educational setting. You may or may not be aware, but Norfolk County Council have recently been appointed as lead organisation for the Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub, which is funded by the Department for Education and administered by Arts Council England.

Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub Is keen to work with you to support your musical journey in your educational setting.

We are planning big things for the new autumn term with lots of new opportunities, but in the meantime, we are excited to offer you a free mini subscription for the remainder of this term.

Offering you the following opportunities:

Access to Charanga- an online Scheme of Work for reception through to year 6 as well as hundreds of resources and access to a new online Music Tech platform

Access to Charanga Secondary- an online resource band for secondaries to support with delivery

Support in creating your School Development Plans with both templates and CPD

Access to both online and face to face opportunities with professional musicians

Access to CPD

We would also be keen to know, moving forward of what other support your setting would like.

You will find further details on the attached PDF with a link to register or you can click on this link: Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub: FREE Mini-Subscription for the Summer Term - Norfolk Music Hub

We look forward to welcoming you to Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub.

Best wishes

Krista Ribbons

Area Manager, Music Service

Children's Services

Tel: 01603 303350

County Hall Martineau Lane Norwich Norfolk NR1 2DH

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Some wonderful resources from Music at Heart. Penny Osmond and Ayozie Pollendine faciliated some fantastic online CPD for Little Beats around their work with mothers and babies.

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"I feel safe in the group, it's a warm and non-judgemental community where all the mums are in the same position. It's chill, you don't even have to sing, it's just a nice place to be with your baby."

Music at Heart is an hour per week intended for you as a mother to rest and be with your baby in a peaceful space with other mums, with music going on around you. Using simple songs from all over the world and many different genres, musicians and mothers sing and play together on chimes, singing bowls and gathering drum, to create a supportive atmosphere for themselves and each other. You are welcome to join however you like, to listen and care for your baby while the harmonies flow around you, or to join your voice with ours if you want to. The group is a safe community where everyone is a patient from the perinatal mental health department, and our focus is on caring for and with the women through music, rather than entertaining the babies. We do find babies love the peaceful atmosphere though and hopefully sleep well afterwards!

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Below you can listen to the music leaders singing some of the songs we sing together:

L-R: Ayozie Pollendine, Penny Osmond, Ellie Rashid - three of our music leaders who, together with Zoë Palmer and Julie Isaac, hold the sessions.

"You can tell the songs have been carefully chosen to celebrate the mother, and through repeating the songs I feel proud of myself and my mothering - it's been therapeutic without me knowing it!"

Click here for the Songbook

Click here for the partici pant area of the site ​

Click here for the Pilot Report

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Music at Heart | Creative Futures, London

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"I feel safe in the group, it's a warm and non-judgemental community where all the mums are in the same position. It's chill, you don't even have to sing, it's just a nice place to be with your baby."

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Music at Heart Online Interactive Workshop – Mon 3 Jun 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM BST Zoom / Online

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Music at Heart Online Interactive Workshop – Mon 3 Jun 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM BST Zoom / Online

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Penny Osmond and Ayozie Pollendine are practitioners of Music at Heart, a therapeutic community singing intervention for mothers with perinatal mental health issues and their babies. In this interactive session they will share some of the practice they have developed for working with vulnerable mothers, sing together and try out some creative processes as a group.

Over the next 2 years the Little Beats programme will be working in Lowestoft. Our aim is to create a place based network of early years music providers, facilitators and musicians. Throughout the programme will work with locally established and emerging musicians. Our musicians will work to develop and deliver musical activities to 0-5’s and their families. We aim to improve wellbeing, child development and musical engagement for preschool children by developing the skills of selected musicians and early years facilitators.

Book Online Here : https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/3813835/chk/136d/?modal_widget=true&widget=true

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Penny Osmond and Ayozie Pollendine are practitioners of Music at Heart, a therapeutic community singing intervention for mothers with perinatal mental health issues and their babies. In this interactive session they will share some of the practice they have developed for working with vulnerable mothers, sing together and try out some creative processes as a group.

Over the next 2 years the Little Beats programme will be working in Lowestoft. Our aim is to create a place based network of early years music providers, facilitators and musicians. Throughout the programme will work with locally established and emerging musicians. Our musicians will work to develop and deliver musical activities to 0-5's and their families. We aim to improve wellbeing, child development and musical engagement for preschool children by developing the skills of selected musicians and early years facilitators.

Session details

Who's it for Early Years practitioners and musicians.

Venue

Online

Please contact the project officer or book online for more information or if you have any access needs.

How to attend

To book your free place or find out more, contact Kasia on kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk or 07704 068 327 or book online.

Book Online & Get a Ticket

Similar sessions

Part of Little Beats

Online
Find out more

Part of Little Beats

at The Hut (Lowestoft Men's Shed)
Find out more

Part of Little Beats

A download activity for you to enjoy at home. Find out more

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Music at Heart Online Interactive Workshop - Suffolk Artlink

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Music at Hear will share practice developed for working with vulnerable mothers, sing together and try out some creative processes as a group

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Change manager at Lowestoft Rising, Phil Aves, is also set to retire this summer.

''With some of the partners no longer able to fund Lowestoft Rising going forward, it has come to a natural end," he said.

"From school children to homeless people, from health matters to pride-related matters, Lowestoft Rising has delivered across the system to help the town improve.

"I hope that with the opening of the new third crossing that the town is better united to take Lowestoft forward.''

Nicole Rickard, head of communities and leisure at East Suffolk Council, said: "Lowestoft Rising has been instrumental in supporting and delivering a huge range of projects over the past decade, all of which have improved the lives of local people in a myriad of ways.

"The project brought public and voluntary sector organisations together to work collaboratively and provide joined-up services for the benefit of the town, introduced new services where gaps were identified and laid the foundations for many of the services supporting local residents in Lowestoft today."

Services provided by the project will now be allocated to other organisations including the Lowestoft Place Board, the Community Partnership, East Suffolk's Communities Team and the Cultural Education Partnership.

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Lowestoft Rising to close but work will carry on, group says

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The work of Lowestoft Rising is being handed over to other local groups.

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https://theseagull.co.uk/

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Enjoy live online author interviews, live music performances and more for Suffolk Libraries Day, our annual fundraising event on Saturday 12 March.

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Welcome to Britten Pears Arts, the pioneering charity making music useful. Home to Snape Maltings, The Red House and the Aldeburgh Festival.

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Magic Acorns has grown out of a 20 year legacy of pioneering work in early childhood music and arts with families from Great Yarmouth in the East of England.

The community of artists, researchers and other professionals who have worked to develop this practice feel passionately about arts in early childhood, and strive to make this accessible, inclusive and community based.

"My child is accepted, understood and supported...really encouraging"

Parent Feedback

You can download a PDF of the
of the full report here

SALTmusic developed from an action research project between the music and arts team at Great Yarmouth Community Trust Sure Start Centre, and Speech and Language therapists (SLT) at East Coast Community Health in the East of England. This trailblazing work was celebrated in the Durham Commission on Creativity
and Education (p48).

​

What is SALTmusic?

SALTmusic builds upon the idea that all babies are born with innate musical ability and that musical communication can contribute to our multiple forms of language.

SALTmusic offers musical, playful approaches which support speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). It fosters a nurturing, safe space for parents and children to play together in a supported environment.

Taking the pressure off talking, through sound rich/talk poor environments; an improvisatory approach, based on observation, has been found to increase participants' confidence and children's vocalisations through musical play. Through laughter, fun and a relaxed atmosphere we can support and nurture communication and the many languages of children.

SALTmusic sees communication as more than words and works with children and parents' abilities to create an environment that celebrates and builds upon what they can do.

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Magic Acorns has grown out of a 20 year legacy of pioneering work in early childhood music and arts with families from Great Yarmouth in the East of England. The community of artists, researchers and other professionals who have worked to develop this practice feel passionately about arts in early childhood, and strive to make this accessible, inclusive and community based.

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Please add your details here if you are a freelance musician available for work and collaborations.

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Please add your details here if you are a freelance musician available for work and collaborations.