Independent Research Findings

An evaluation of Boogie Mites early years music education programmes

Research conducted by Chichester University concluded that Boogie Mites music programmes make a real difference to parents and practitioners of children in early years. The research objectives were:

• To explore the influence of the Boogie Mites programmes on parental knowledge, confidence and home practise
• To investigate the impact on children’s language, communication, physical, emotional and social development, as perceived by parents
• To evaluate practitioner’s perceptions following training sessions by Boogie Mites

Parental knowledge, confidence and home practice

Boogie Mites sessions encouraged parents to make the links between the EYFS prime areas of learning and the use of music both at the session and in the home. Parents reported that they felt more confident to use music with their children at home and as part of everyday life. The parents’ increased confidence had a knock-on effect on their child’s confidence.

Children’s development as perceived by parents

Quantitative data supported the inference that attending the Boogie Mites courses and practising at home promotes children’s social, communication and physical development. A very large majority of parents reported observing some or a lot of improvements in all 3 Prime areas.

Practitioner confidence and sharing best practice

A significant number of practitioners said that Boogie Mites training gave them the confidence to implement music-making in their setting. After completing their training, there was an explosion of enthusiasm, eagerness and willingness to implement what they had learnt. They were inspired to share what they learnt with the rest of the colleagues in their setting.