Music as Therapy International, a charity based in South London, is once again offering free places for staff working in nurseries and pre-schools on its interactive music making course through its IMM (Interactive Music-Making) Award scheme.
Now in its third year, the scheme was launched to combat challenges faced by nurseries and children’s centres, such as budget cuts, which can prevent investment in staff training.
Applicants have until 21 August to apply for a place on the course which aims to provide early years staff with the skills and confidence to use music in a therapeutic way with the children in their care.
The course will run from September 2020 until June 2021 from a location in South East London.
Those who are successful in securing a free place will receive a contribution towards their cover and/or travel to attend the course. Their setting will also receive a set of musical instruments.
Applications for a place through the IMM Award can only come via settings, not individuals.
The charity is also offering a further five places on its course at a part-subsidised rate or at full cost.
This year in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the application process has been adapted to accommodate the uncertainty faced by many early years settings. A setting manager can now apply for and reserve a place on the course, as well as applying for an award, before confirming which member of staff will attend. Further details are available on the IMM website.
Alexia Quin, director of Music as Therapy International, and co-founder of Interactive Music-Making, said, ‘The pressures that the early years sector currently faces have only been amplified by Covid-19, with many under-fives missing out on crucial developmental milestones due to the lockdown situation. This makes supporting the development of vulnerable children all the more important.
‘Music will be a powerful tool for practitioners going forward, as it has been demonstrated to be one of the most inclusive mediums for learning, regardless of age, ability, language skills and background.
‘It also makes our provision of free access to the Interactive Music-Making programme all the more necessary: to ensure those settings and children who most need the support will receive it, without worrying about the cost of taking part.’
To apply for a free place click here