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Early Years.

Music Provision - Sounds Fun

     

Introduction 

The First Steps programme allows Early Years Settings to access musical support for their children.  Each child between the ages of 3 - 5 yrs is developing their speech and use of language as chanting and singing rhymes is a clear development of pronunciation.  First Steps supports the delivery of such activities that allows for the children to interact with each other in a positive way while rhythms and pitch are introduced to them.  Children will also be introduced to instruments through the Music Experience programme delivered by Approved Teachers giving musical demonstrations on families of instruments.

Content

Each Early Years Settings can apply to the Music Service in advance of the academic year to receive support in delivering the  First Steps music programme.  A visiting programme will be arranged by the Music Service to those Settings requesting support.  Moreover, for each Setting whom requests support will also have the opportunity to send their nominated practitioner on In Service Training (INSET) to become the ‘Music enthusiast' within your Setting and will help with delivering the programme.  Each Music Enthusiast will be required to attend an INSET session within the year.  A Music Specialist (Consultant) will also visit your setting periodically throughout the year to assist and support your 'Music Enthusiast'.

How Music Fits with Early Years Policy and Practice

The Early Years Founadtion Stage (EYFS) provides a flexible framework that puts the child firmly at the heart of practice,using observational assessment to tune into children's individual strengths, interests and preferences in order to plan experiences that support their learning and development at apace that's right for them.

The EYFS principles which guide the work of all practitioners are grouped into four distinct but complementary themes:

1. A Unique Child
2. Positive Relationships
3. Enabling Environment
4. Learning and Development

There are six areas of learning and development in the EYFS:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
2. Communication, Language and Literacy
3. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World
5. Physical Development
6. Creative Development

None of these areas of learning can be planned for in isolation from the others. All are equally important and depend on each other, and all six must be delivered through planned, purposeful play, with a balance of adult-initiated activities. Music connects with all of these, both directly and indirectly.

Music:
• Helps develop taking turns through partnered musical improvisation
• Helps children recognise the difference between sounds (auditory discrimination), speaking and listening skills
• Provides a medium for children to represent their ideas and feelings
• Offers opportunities for social development by taking part in shared experiences
• Introduces children to abstract concepts of number, pattern, space and time
• Encourages coordination by making music and responding to it through dance and movement
• Builds knowledge and awareness of other cultures through listening to music and playing instruments from around the world
• Builds skills in design and technology through children making their own instruments and recording their own music

 

 

Staff Development

Professional development is a key factor of Sounds Fun.  Therefore, to access the Sounds Fun programme, it is necessary for the Early Years Setting to identify a member of staff to work with the Music Service in delivering the programme.  The Music Service consultant will assist in helping with the CPD of your staff.  Each Music Enthusiast will receive a certificate stating that they have successful undergone the training with the Music Service.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this programme will support your Setting to allow the children to experience: Social Skills and the forming of positive relationships; Discipline; Self esteem and confidence; Creativity; Reasoning skills; Listening skills; Spatial awareness; Memory; Fluency of speech and A better understanding and use of language.

Costs

The costs for the programme are set annually and to get more information, please contact the Music Service Admin Office.

Booklet and CD Resorces

The Music Service will be providing a Booklet and CD in support of this programme during its first year of delivery and will be avalable at the first INSET day.