Soundabout

Schools

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Soundabout Schools
Soundabout is unique in offering classroom training in simple music-making and interactive techniques which promote communication either without the use of instruments or by using resonance boards and Soundbeam

This is what teachers & others who have experienced our training are saying about it:
Viv Pollock, teacher at Maplewood School, High Wycombe

Soundabout activities have been an integral part of our timetable for those who have severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities ever since the first visit of a Soundabout trainer in 1999. We find that those pupils on the lower functioning end of the autistic spectrum also benefit.

The training introduced work on resonance boards, the only initial outlay being the resonance board plus a range of percussion instruments or simple drums. Once staff had worked with our pupils under the Soundabout trainer's guidance they were confident enough to go away, armed with the thorough and practical handbook and CD to plan and lead their own sessions.

I have nothing but praise for the work they do, the standard of the training they offer and the support they give us.

In 2007 the Institute of Education, University of London, completed a Two Year Research Evaluation of Soundabout's work.

The Institute of Education report states that 'The sessions demonstrated trainer commitment, enthusiasm, and a wide range of professional skills (musical, pedagogical and interpersonal). Teachers and other staff commented with adjectives such as 'inspiring', 'relevant', 'successful', 'brilliant' and 'excellent'. 'Soundabout is one of the most successful group sessions currently running for those learners with PMLD and sensory impairments.'

The report concludes: 'Soundabout has a distinctive approach to offer to schools that can complement, extend, deepen and enrich their normal curricular offering.' 'Schools have been able to adopt and incorporate Soundabout principles into their own practice.'

On-site staff training packages.
Supporting your school, its staff and pupils through training in the use of music and sound across the curriculum for young people working at P levels 1-3.

Liz Byrne - teacher at Hatton School Woodford Green, Essex

I would say that Soundabout has definitely had an impact on seven teachers' practice and the whole school's way of thinking and valuing music. I hear lots of anecdotes from staff. I no longer find the resonance boards where I last left them, which is a good sign.

I feel I have effected a change of practice that will be lasting. Staff have really welcomed the bridging of Music/Circle Time/Language Development/Citizenship.

I've also noticed that larger group song sessions are much more lively and there's often a bit of a happening going on that is genuinely child-centred.

I love doing the sessions and am learning so much. I am always amazed at how ideas evolve and how suddenly something good comes from nowhere so long as you are 'in the moment' and really attending.
Kathy Watson - teacher at Bridge School, Telford

After experiencing Soundabout training, Kathy's enthusiasm for the approach has motivated her to train staff within her own school.

As a Soundabout trainee, I have been involved in the training of small groups of staff in my school to use Soundabout activities on the resonance board. One group consisted of nursery and reception children, with three teachers participating in the training.

Staff gradually took increasing responsibiltiy for running the sessions, the level of pupil participation being absolutely inspiring.

Staff are now running these sessions for themselves and I'm delighted to say that during our Ofsted inspection last month, three of us requested our Soundabout sessions be observed. All were deemed by Ofsted to be 'very good' examples of teaching and learning.

Our music-making techniques help to stimulate communication, learning and self-expression, enabling children who cannot hold musical instruments or speak to make their own unique contribution.

No prior training is necessary and even those staff members who doubt their own musical ability will enjoy running Soundabout sessions when working with groups or individuals. Pupils' responses will convince staff of the effectiveness of our methods. Staff members can use these techniques to motivate pre-intentional and intentional responses from their pupils working at levels 1-3 of the P scales. Our proven approach builds upon the smallest of responses whether intentional or otherwise using techniques that are similar to early communication between infants and caregivers.

Soundabout sessions have some very special qualities. They are playful, intuitive, child-led as far as possible and all those involved are able to join in at a level that suits them. Key importance is given to techniques and ideas that can be used for developing communication and learning in literacy, numeracy, PSHE, music and other areas. For example they may be used in circletime, story telling, music sessions and communicative interactions throughout the day.

Soundabout trainers have extensive experience in working with teachers, learning support staff and other professionals, as well as families and young adults with special needs.

Who is the training for?
All staff working with children and young people at P levels 1-3 in a range of settings
Staff who may or may not feel confident in using interactive music-making with their pupils
Other professionals working with children who have severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities, such as physiotherapists, speech, language and occupational therapists.

What will be gained?
Experience in developing:
Simple child-centred musical ideas using voice and sounds
Ways of using these ideas to enhance the quality of pupils' interactions throughout the day
Techniques to encourage a child-centred approach to early communication in shared focus activities

How can the training be applied?
A personalised plan will be written for each group or individual
Staff will be able to use the plan immediately and continue to develop it to suit individual needs
The ideas in the plan will relate directly to early targets
A booklet and CD demonstrating ideas for activities will be supplied free to each school
Schools can video training sessions for recording and reference
Opportunities for follow-up training will enable staff to further develop their skills

How is the training carried out?
A 'Taster' Day generally followed by a training package
Training of three to five days for staff and pupils together in the classroom, with staff-only introductory and twilight session
INSET Days
A combination of the above, to suit your pupils, staff and budget

All the above options can include a mix of acoustic and electronic days and sessions to suit your training needs.

Our philosophy
We believe that music is a form of expression that can and should be accessible to all
We demonstrate that anyone can learn to use simple musical ideas to effectively expand and promote the learning experience of children with learning and physical disabilities
We encourage children to respond in their own way, to listen and be listened to
We introduce a choice and control that can be lacking elsewhere

"The Training given has enabled us to use the equipment with confidence and to persevere to get the most benefit for the pupils."
Dee Banks School, Chester
"(Child) gained a great sense of achievement from being able to control the pitch of the sound using long and short arm movements and quickly discovered the range of movements with his arm that was within the sensitivity and pick up of the sound waves being broken. He remained fascinated, sitting still for the whole of his session, smiling and telling people to watch him and listen to the sounds he could control... The experience of Soundbeam provided immediate gratification and empowerment for all the children... Your trainer had a lovely manner. Good sensitivity and enthusiasm!"
St Ann's School, Ealing

Soundabout techniques motivate pupils to:
Become actively involved in music-making and group activities
Feel valued
Become alert to an awareness of their immediate environment
Gain and extend attention
Build anticipation
Practice and develop auditory and visual skills (tracking, listening and discriminating)
Demonstrate likes and dislikes through choice
Communicate using sounds and vocalisations

Soundabout delivers its training through the use of:
Resonance boards and the immediate environment, including voice and body sounds (Acoustic) Resonance boards are a focal point for Soundabout activities and training. They are simple to make, store and transport and are invaluable for bringing a group together. Children can sit around them or on them, or lie on them; staff can sit around them and tap them in a variety of ways, creating rhythms which resonate throughout the bodies of those lying on the boards. Soundabout can make resonance boards for your training package, or we can give you instructions to guide you through making one or more yourself.

Soundbeam and other music technology (Electronic)
The Soundbeam is a powerful piece of music-making technology which enables the child with the most profound disabilities to create sound through the smallest movement. Soundabout offers demonstrations and hands-on Soundbeam training which will give you confidence to create set-ups specific to your pupils. Soundabout training will enable you to use Soundbeam immediately.

Since 1997 Soundabout trainers have trained staff in 134 special schools all over the UK.

Approximately 2,500 teachers, learning support assistants and other professionals have benefited from training in the classrooms by learning Soundabout techniques with their pupils present.

Please ring Anna Cahill at Soundabout to arrange a training package to suit your needs.

Soundbeam Training from Soundabout
Do any of the following situations apply to you ?
1. You have a Soundbeam gathering dust in a cupboard - you want to dust it dow and start using it again;
2. You are considering buying a Soundbeam and you want to discover how it could benefit your pupils and motivate your staff or PTA to raise money to buy one;
3. You have just bought a Soundbeam, and need some training in using it effectively to help your pupils to create music with purpose and intent;
4. A few members of staff are using Soundbeam regularly but need further training to improve their skills;
5. You have new staff in the school who would like to use the Soundbeam too, but need initial training.

Soundabout Can Help !
2. You need a Soundbeam Demonstration
1., 3. & 5. You need Initial Soundbeam Training.
4. You need Follow-up Training.

You may be totally unique in your Soundbeam Training needs, in which case we can create a training package to suit your specific requirements.

Our Soundbeam Training Options:
A. INSET days
B. One or more staff training days in the classroom, including introductory and twilight sessions for staff only, and one-to-one sessions with pupils

Or a combination of the above

Fees
The same fee structure that applies to all our training is relevant to Soundbeam Training. Please see the back page of our publicity brochure or ring the office for more information.
Don't forget that we can offer a combination of training on acoustic and electronic instruments to suit your unique situation - see our brochure for a full explanation.

How to arrange training: Ring the Soundabout office on 01844 338898