Sticks and Sounds builds on Boogie Mites' expertise in music programmes which are designed to support learning and promote emotional development in young children. Using original songs and homemade props, its programmes make music a part of everyday nursery activities.
In 2011 it launched a new programme designed to maximise the participation and enjoyment of children with special educational needs. Sticks and Sounds is designed to engage children of all abilities and extend learning through lively and inspiring songs. It also encourages physical development through movement to music and use of instruments.
Margaret Dunford, at Willows Nursery in Portsmouth, says she was delighted to be asked to participate in its trial.
'We are a fully inclusive setting and 50 per cent of our children have special educational needs,' she says. 'We welcomed the opportunity to trial the new programme which is designed to meet their needs.
'We have worked with Boogie Mites for a number of years now and have undergone many training sessions, including for Letters and Sounds, which supports listening and speaking skills. Boogie Mites has also worked with parents in our children's centre.
'Sticks and Sounds is not hugely different in format to the other programmes and has been developed in partnership with special needs teachers. There is new material and some of the original songs have been slowed down in tempo, with more repetition.'
Ms Dunford says the nursery works with children using the songs in small groups or uses particular components in one-to-one sessions.
'Practitioners are absolutely key to the delivery of the programme and have all been trained,' she says.
'The most important things about Sticks and Sounds are the songs and the effectiveness of practitioners' delivery, but the props play a part. One of the advantages is that nurseries can make the props themselves without spending a fortune.'
