Resource Balloon launched for supporting children with additional needs

MEHEM UpRising! has launched a free online resource for educators making music in inclusive settings, supported by the Music Education Hubs East Midlands consortium.

Resource Balloon presents bitesize, practical advice learned from the first three years of the Youth Music funded UpRising! project. The materials were created after instrumental and classroom teachers requested teaching to be grounded in the needs of individual learners.

Key areas include:

• Creating and sustaining inclusive ensembles in schools and within music hubs
• Best practice when working with individuals with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
• Curriculum development for special education settings.

The aim is for tutors and music hubs to prioritise inclusivity, and develop collaborative projects.

Project lead Ben Sellers said: ‘We have met many fantastic educators as part of UpRising, and wanted to share their expertise with colleagues across the country. The Balloon's focus is on video content, carefully edited to allow busy teachers to address specific needs with integrity and depth. We hope it will be useful to all those making music with young people for many years to come.’

The resource can be accessed via the Uprising Balloon website.