Music is part of our culture, and it’s a natural instinct to use it to engage with young children. In fact, the earlier a child is exposed to music, the better.

Attaching a pair of headphones to your baby bump for nine months seems a bit extreme, but a child can benefit hugely from music once out of the womb – especially if they have complex needs.

New research, discussed on Nursery World, has revealed that music sessions for under-fives can boost development in children with complex needs.

A three-year study by music charity Soundabout involved delivering music-making sessions over 10 weeks for young children in deprived areas. The sessions were offered at children’s centres and other hubs specialising in provision for children with complex needs. Of the 216 children who attended the sessions, 16% had complex needs such as profound and multiple learning difficulties.

The musical development of the children was assessed based on age-related expectations. Before the course, children in the study were found to be six months behind their age-related expectations when it came to listening and responding to music.

However, after completing the music sessions this developmental delay was reduced or eliminated. Children taking part in the study were able to better manage their feelings and behaviour, had greater self-confidence, and were able to listen and pay attention for longer periods of time.

Children with complex needs enjoyed the greatest improvement, on average moving from the music developmental level of a six-month old to that of an 18-month old.

Music is closely linked with the development of a child’s brain – language, concentration and learning all improve through music and singing. Here are just some of the things musical contact positively affects:

1. Thinking: Music is good for the brain – it improves memory and boosts brain development.
2. Language: Music improves verbal ability, from learning the alphabet through to new words and speech patterns.
3. Emotions: Music soothes, comforts and helps create the desired mood.
4. Motor skills: Using fingers to play an instrument develops fine-motor skills, while dancing helps improve gross-motor skills such as coordination and rhythm.
5. Social development: Making music as a group, taking turns and responding to songs all help boost a child’s social skills.

Here at Little Willows, we have a number of children who access music therapy as a support for additional needs. Our music therapist comes in for 1:1 sessions with these children, both weekly and fortnightly. The children all love their time in these sessions and it makes a positive contribution to their learning, development and emotional well-being.

Little Willows Day Nursery offers quality childcare, helping children learn through curiosity, creativity, music and stimulating play. If you’d like to find out how Little Willows can help your child’s development, get in touch with the team today.

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Here at Little Willows, we’ll be looking at the theme of ‘new life’ during the month of April, and making lots of Easter creations with the children, including Easter cakes and cards to take home.

Want to make the most of the Easter break yourself? Try one of these family-friendly activities!

Create your own Roman pot at the Roman Baths

If you like the traditional Roman pots on display at the Baths, you’ll love creating your very own designs to take home. Your little ones will learn how to use wax crayons and wax resist effect to create their masterpieces. No need to book – just pop along on Monday 15^th April. Sessions are between 10am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 4pm.

Join the Great Big Egg Hunt in Bath

The Great Big Egg Hunt is hitting the streets of Bath once again this year between 13^th April and 12^th May. Organised by egg theatre, this fab free activity sees individually decorated eggs being hidden around the streets of Bath where residents, families and tourists are encouraged to find them. Make sure you stay on the right path with maps and question sheets from the egg café, participating shops and online. One of the prizes for this year’s hunt includes family tickets to this year’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast, so don’t miss out. Find out more at theTheatre Royal’s website.

Ride on the East Somerset Railway

If you have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your midst, choo choo it down to the East Somerset Railway this Easter weekend between 19^th and 22^nd April! Children go free if they bring their cuddly toy along for the ride and travel with a fare paying adult.

Underwater fun at the Bristol Aquarium

Did you know the amazing Bristol Aquarium is celebrating its 10^th birthday this year? Between 6^th and 22^nd April they’re putting on some special events for the little ones with games, hands-on activities, talks about the fish and much more. You can save money when you book in advance so what are you waiting for? Dive in!

Search for Zog at Westonbirt Arboretum

If your toddler loves Julia Donaldson’s Zog, then take a trip to Westonbirt Arboretum and follow the Zog trail! You can take part Zog-inspired activities around the grounds and, who knows, you might even spot the friendly dragon himself! On now, until 2^nd June.

Searching for a new nursery for your little ones? Why not pay us a visit at our Bath or Corsham sites?

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