Artsreach has been working with 6 rural pre-schools to develop a fun and creative Early Years Music programme. Nickie Fidgin and Gill Bough of Playsongs Plus have been leading the project which includes a specially designed programme of training and support for pre-school staff and volunteers together with a fantastic resource box of instruments, CD’s and books for each pre-school to keep.

The results have exceeded all expectations – staff have developed confidence and expertise in planning and leading excellent music sessions, the general level of expectation of what children can achieve has soared with spin offs in all areas of their work – children who couldn’t sit still for 5 minutes are happily concentrating on a 45 minute music session; they have learnt to take turns; gross and fine motor co-ordination has developed; listening, communication and language skills have improved and there has been an overall increase in confidence and motivation. The pre-schools now have the resources and expertise they need to run varied and interesting music sessions, music is integrated throughout the pre-school session and, above all, the children have a huge enjoyment of music, including listening to classical music.

This project has transformed the way music is used in the pre-schools that have benefited from the project (Winfrith in Winfrith Newburgh, Stower Vale in Stour Provost, Syding Springs in Sydling St Nicholas, The Chase Nursery in Sixpenny Handley, Stepping Stones in Sturminster Newton and Fontmell Magna Under Fives in Fontmell Magna. Artsreach now hopes to find funding to develop this model and spread the benefits to more rural pre-schools in Dorset.