The Cudjack Project
The Cudjack Project delivers inclusive music sessions for 0-4 year olds living in South West Cornwall. Following publication of the 2015 IOMD results the community in which Cudjack is delivered was identified as the most deprived in Cornwall - for the majority of children we work with quality music opportunities range from limited to non-existent.
Through Cudjack we aim to provide targeted children from the community with quality, diverse music and music making experiences whilst also using music to help them develop the skills they will need to be school ready and fulfil their potential. As we approach our 6 month project review it seems timely to share some of our learning to date.
The majority of our sessions are delivered in our OFSTED registered nursery where we use a range of music activities, games, performances and experiences to enable children to increase exposure to and experiences and enjoyment of quality, inclusive music.
Our most popular activities are the activities that are interactive for example: - using puppets and soft toys to enhance and support engagement with and in musical activities - enabling children to use instruments to get involved in shaping the song or musical story - interactive live performances - children creating their own ‘soundtracks’ for everyday activities - using specific instruments to engage in songs for example using bells and drums to signify the chiming of the clock in Hickory Dickory Dock
One of the most beneficial outcomes of the music work has been around the development of children’s language and communication skills. Children’s individual progress reports clearly evidence significant progress in this area with 2 children developing their skills in this area so significantly that they no longer needed speech and language therapy. Monitoring also shows significant development across the board including increased confidence, reduction in difficult behaviour and better listening skills. The majority of children accessing the project are now much closer to age related expectations in personal, social and emotional development and communication and language skills.