New Ambition Communities of Practice – Taking Action.

We are encouraging practitioners to put reflective practice at the heart of their delivery and learning. What do practitioners have to say about the process?

The Inclusive Practitioner session 2 ran on the 11th January at Colston Hall. Those who attended the first session were joined by 2 new trainees from the SEND strand of our New Ambition programme. The focus was on Reflective Practice.

Having helped set up and introduce the day I left the group in the capable hands of Phil Mullen. I was invited to answer some of the questions that were arising through the first activities.

The group came up with some thoughts and actions they want to take forward:

• Whilst music leaders want to embed reflection in their delivery many of them are free lancers and adding time to sessions to do this without being paid was a real issue. Project managers and organisations that value reflection to improve the quality of the work that is being delivered to young people need to build in paid time for this to take place.

• Reflections at the end of projects are not often acted upon and so are considered a waste of practitioners’ time. Managers need to respond to reflections on projects so that music leaders are listened to and valued for demonstrating good practice.

• Practitioners would benefit from 1-2-1 support to reflect with mentors, another colleague or management. This is often an element missing when projects are set up and there is a need to ensure musicians are effectively supported especially when working with children in challenging circumstances.

• Musicians need to be confident in advocating reflective practice. The group were enthusiastic about setting up a community of practice to support each others learning suggesting meeting three times a year. New Ambition will support this process by setting up a group on the YMN where resources, comments and contact can be maintained.

• A small working group to support the development of  reflective practice made up of management and practitioners needs to be set up to take a strategic view on how to get other organisations to embed reflection within the New Ambition Partnership and wider afield.

It was gratifying to know musicians are very committed to developing their ability to reflect on their work at a deep level. All the points the group made will be taken back to New Ambition Managers and the group will be informed of action taken. We will keep you posted!