NEWS:  Breaking the Bubble conference - huge success

 

‘The beginnings of a national movement’ - SEND Music Development Day

 

In July ‘Breaking the Bubble’ hosted a SEND (Special Educational Needs/Disability) development day in London. ‘Breaking the Bubble’ is a music education hub partnership programme involving SoundCity, Sound Hub, Kent and Surrey Music Hub and this first joint event was attended by 120 professionals from across the arts, music, education and disability sectors.

 

The day was designed to investigate group music-making for children and young people with Special Educational Needs/Disability and provided an important space for teachers, musicians, arts organisations and parents/carers to explore the big issues around making music accessible and inspirational  for young people with SEND.

The day included performances by the UP! Orchestra – the Orchestra of Unlimited Potential, a creative music group for young people from Surrey who have disabilities or Special Needs, and may require additional learning or physical support; and one-handed concert pianist Nicholas McCarthy who also gave the keynote address.

 

Through case study presentations, discussion sessions, performances and networking, people attending the event showed a strong commitment to improving access to music for children and young people with SEND. A delegate from Brighton said ‘It felt like the beginnings of a national movement… which is exciting! The day has generated a lot of interest and helped people make new connections. I think it has made us more determined to make a lasting difference to provision for young people with SEND.’

 

Due to the success of this year's conference, the event will be repeated next year.  Watch this space for further details.