A practical and interactive six-session online course for early years practitioners who want to connect to the joy of early years music whilst improving their skills, knowledge and confidence.

7.30 pm – 9.00 pm on Mondays, 6 weeks starting 26 January 2026 Led by Rosie Walton, Kate Comberti and Jane Parker, via Zoom Available to those living/working in Somerset and Dorset.

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wants to be more confident when including music in early years provision and to gain an understanding of the potential of music when working with young children. You do not need to have any previous musical training; those who do not consider themselves to be ‘musical’ are very welcome.  The course is especially designed for:

• Early Years Practitioners/Teachers/Childminders also
• Music Practitioners: those wanting to develop their skills with this age group
• Education Mangers/Headteachers who wish to gain a greater understanding of the potential for music in young children’s education.

This course will support you to:

• Understand the potential of music as part of EYFS delivery
• Build confidence in delivering simple age-appropriate singing games, rhymes and use of sound making instruments and objects
• Recognise, encourage and support musical play whilst exploring your role as a playful adult partner.
• Explore ideas for stimulating and supporting children’s singing, including easy to use technology.
• Consider the musical environment and use of recorded music.
• Identify and celebrate babies and young children’s musicality
• In addition, we will signpost you to a wealth of resources to support your ongoing early years music practice.

Course Fees and Eligibility

This course is available to those living or working within Early Years in Somerset and Dorset.  

The course fee is considerably reduced due to funding by Octagon Music Hub (Somerset and Dorset).  We are unable to open this popular course to people outside of Somerset and Dorset on this occasion.

£18 for the full course (just £3 per 90-minute session).

Places are available on a first come, first served basis.

Proof of eligibility and geographic location will be requested upon booking.

Closing date 9 am Monday 19 January 2026. Places are limited so early booking is definitely recommended.  Late bookings cannot be accepted. Joining instructions will be sent out on by Friday 23 January 2026

Training Session Dates and Information

7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Mondays on 26 January | 2 February | 9 February | 2-week break | 2 March | 9 March | 16 March 2026

This course is a live event designed to be interactive for all delegates.  All those who book are strongly encouraged to attend each session in real time. To ensure that course content is not missed through unavoidable absence (we ask that you let us know if you are unable to attend), we will record each session. All those who book a place will receive a copy of each week’s recording which will be available for a limited time after the event.  These are distributed to enable catch-up and to consolidate learning via review, not as an alternative to attendance.  A handout of each presentation will also be sent to provide reference into the future.

About the trainers

Rosie Walton, Kate Comberti and Jane Parker will generously share their experience and knowledge whilst guiding you through this popular course. This training team are all active, experienced early childhood music practitioners, course leaders/educators and mentors who bring a wealth of up-to-date knowledge to support your learning.

I have loved this course! My understanding of the importance of music for early years has grown no end. I would definitely recommend it to any of my practitioners if the opportunity arose again. Thank you.

EYFS Pre-School Manager

Thank you so SO much. It has really inspired me to connect with children musically. I have learnt so much over the 6 sessions and have loved the practical songs, opportunities to practise together and understanding the purpose/why along with information, videos/real life examples. I feel I have left with a wealth of resources to use and share with staff in my setting.   Thank you again, you are amazing!

EYFS Lead and Teacher

Thank you for such a rich, engaging and useful course. Each week I have taken away something that I can practically use within my setting.

Reception Class Teacher and Acting Headteacher

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