Conference on role of music in supporting children with SEND

The conference – to examine the benefits of playing and learning music for children with SEND – will culminate in a concert showcasing young musicians from special schools and alternative provisions and an opportunity to hear and play alongside acclaimed pianist Derek Paravicini, who is blind and lives with severe autism and learning difficulties.

Speakers at the conference include professor Adam Ockelford, well known for his work on the Sounds of Intent framework; Sophie Gray, Head of Inclusion at charity Services for Education; Francesca Christmas, director of music at Trinity College, London; and Hannah Fouracre, director of music at Arts Council England. The event will be facilitated by Kris Halpin, singer-songwriter, producer, performer and music blogger.

The conference coincides with publication of a new resource for inclusive music-making called Count Me In! (by Ockelford, Gray and others), the result of a partnership between the University of Roehampton and Birmingham-based Services For Education, with funding by Youth Music.

Tickets for the event are available on a first-come basis only, by emailing Stuart Birnie (stuart.birnie@servicesforeducation.co.uk). Pre-booking is essential.