In a previous blog we looked at how focusing your Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) budget on increasing active music-making can help narrow the attainment gap in nurseries and preschools.
In this blog we share a testimonial from Emma Berry who is the Manager of Scamps Pre-School in East Worthing. She recently spent the pre-school’s EYPP funding on Boogie Mites Music training and resource packs and is now clearly seeing the results.
Emma explains:
“I came across Boogie Mites whilst I was exploring ways of increasing our children’s progress in ‘communication and language’ as it was an area in which many of our children were underachieving. I decided to purchase the Boogie Mites ‘School Ready Programme’ initially and I haven’t looked back. The children have made phenomenal progress in my pre-school with the help of regular Boogie Mites group times. Even after almost a year our children are still excited when they hear a mention of ‘Boogie Mites’. It is without a doubt one of our most popular group times!”
Emma also talks about the benefit of the Boogie Mites ‘School Ready Programme’ to staff and parents as well as children:
“Not only do the children thoroughly enjoy it, my staff do too, they all get involved. The training DVD which comes with the pack is really inspirational. Both myself and members of my team have found it invaluable in delivering Boogie Mites effectively in the setting. There is particular reference to ‘Letters and Sounds’ so staff are aware of the learning outcomes on offer from the offset. Not only have our children’s listening and attention skills developed immensely, they have also developed rhythm and coordination. This programme has really helped me to confirm my understanding that music in the early years is vital in enabling children to progress in all areas in a way in which they enjoy and feel motivated. Surprisingly, it seems to be particularly popular with those children in our pre-school who are otherwise quite reserved. They all come alive when they hear the Boogie Mites music and have a new-found confidence in themselves and their abilities.”
Emma explains how she has built on her initial Boogie Mites activities:
“This term we have decided to use some EYPP funding to purchase some more Boogie Mites programmes – including the Maths and Healthy Living programmes. There have been many studies recently about the decline in children’s physical skills when they reach school age. We thought what better way to help prepare our children for school than by giving them even more opportunities to develop their physical skills in a way in which they love? Not only this, but these programmes will hopefully help the children to learn new skills in numbers and shapes, and to look after themselves so they contribute positively to society both now and in the future. I have every faith that these programmes will be equally as popular as the ‘School Ready’ one.”
Emma summarises:
“I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Boogie Mites to anyone caring for children in the early years and the extensive learning outcomes for children that it offers. It makes it very good value for money and I believe it should be an essential piece of ‘toolkit’ within the industry.”
Take a look at our online training options and programme packs that include video training modules.
Or call Sue Newman, Boogie Mites Director on 023 92 817274 or email her [email protected]
