splashschools.org.uk

Toddlerific” runs on Friday mornings (term time) in partnership with Trinity Methodist Church in Storrington, providing an activity based morning for pre-schoolers and quality time for friendship and support for parents and carers.

Toddlerific is designed to encourage children’s creativity, listening skills and social skills; and enable parents and carers to build supportive networks of friends. Parents also learn how to use music as an enjoyable activity to boost their child’s development.  The first 45 minutes is a “drop-in” with free play, toddler crafts and always some delicious homemade cake! Then there is a simple bible story followed by an interactive music session with a wide range of songs, rhymes and instruments.

No booking is required – just come along  9:30-11 on Fridays at Trinity Methodist.

Humming Birds

Community Music Workshops for under 5s with additional support needs

We were delighted to receive funding during 2010 from the Cullum Family Trust adminstered by the Sussex Community Foundation to continue community based interactive music workshops particularly for children with additional support needs. The workshops include a mixture of singing, playing instruments, signing and interactive games – all designed to be fun and stimulate natural musical ability.  The pace of the groups and the activities planned are appropriate for children with special needs including children with autistic spectrum disorder, social communication delays, Down’s syndrome, global development delay and cerebral palsy.

Here are some comments from parents :

“My son’s attention span has improved and also his vocalisation. Specifically he is much better now in situations where we are one on one. He is learning now how to interact with other children and doing better on turn taking.”

“I’ve particularly appreciated the sensory input – because my child is visually impaired – and the turn-taking, as well as the relaxed environment which has provided the opportunity for me to take time to listen to her my child. She has extended her concentration span, learnt to make eye contact and move to music. I’ve also enjoyed meeting others in a similar situation.”

“My child with autism has learned to take turns, develop language skills and the music group was important in his coping with the stress of transition to full time school. This was the first group I was ever able to take him to without having to worry about his behaviour”

Each “targeted” session provides time for individual attention with an experienced music therapist who can support parents in using music to foster their children’s development.   If you are interested in a targeted group please speak to  Caroline at Splash (01903 744821).

Contact Splash to obtain a copy of the Humming Birds Songbook recently developed to help parents and carers continue with their music with their child at home.

Click on the logo for more information about the Sussex Community Foundation and the projects which they fund.  (www.sussexgiving.org.uk).

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