Earlyarts E-bulletin No 12 - Summer 2006
Welcome to the twelfth e-bulletin from the earlyarts network in the North West of England. Please feel free to circulate to any interested colleagues. Use this e-bulletin to promote your work and request artists / advice / support from other readers across the region. The Autumn e-bulletin is due in October; please forward any activities, events, or news articles about your work to the email above by Thursday, October 5th.
INTERNATIONAL:
PEOPLE, OUR PLACE, OUR TIME - 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, ART IN EARLY CHILDHOOD, 5-8 FEBRUARY 2007
The 2007 conference will be held at the University of New England, NSW, Australia. This conference celebrates art in early childhood in and across international social, cultural and historical contexts, Our People, Our Place, Our Time. The goal of the conference is to bring together art and early childhood/primary educators, researchers, and practitioners into an expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary discussion about early childhood and art. We will identify emerging directions in understanding how young children experience art and how they create and communicate their ideas and experiences visually and through the arts. More details here: http://www.artlearn.net/artEC/conference.html
CHILDREN'S CULTURES: UNIVERSALITY AND DIVERSITY - 15, 16, 17 MARCH 2007, CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DES LANGUES, UNIVERSITÉ DE NANTES, FRANCE
Since the pioneering investigations of the 19th century, scholars around the world have extensively studied a persisting set of cultural practices transmitted orally among children in their peer groups, on the school playground, in the street, at home, in summer camp, on the school bus and in other places where children interact informally without close adult supervision. This conference aims to bring together researchers who seek to listen to the voices of "the people in the playground" (Iona Opie). Contributions are welcomed from anthropologists, educationalists, ethnologists, folklorists, historians, linguists, literary scholars, play workers, psychologists and sociologists. The focus of the conference will be on how children's cultures relate to universality and diversity, a particularly timely topic in an increasingly connected world. Papers may be presented in English or French and should last no longer than 20 minutes. More information and proposals (title + abstract of approximately 250 words) should be sent by e-mail to Andy Arleo and Julie Delalande by September 30, 2006: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
ANNANTALO ARTS CENTRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, HELSINKI/FINLAND
Annantalo was originally a primary school designed by Gustav Nyström in 1886. Since its renovation 1987 it has become a versatile centre for children and young people and a pioneer on the field of arts education. Annantalo develops experiments with, and carries out research into, various forms of arts education, providing training for groups such as day nursery personnel, takes part in international ventures, produces special projects and arranges or contributes to various events (historical city tours for schoolchildren, the children's Night of the Arts). Many of the Annantalo teachers are artists themselves, and their teaching therefore reflects their own, professional relationship with their art. Especially notable is that every child in Helsinki aged between 6-12 years is able to attend at least one creative course at Annantalo or a cultural centre near its home free of charge. Annantalo Arts Centre is a member of the European Network of Art Organisations for Children and Young People EUnetART. Information about the current programme of Annantalo is here: http://kulttuuri.hel.fi/annantalo/index_en.html
KINICHI FUKOMOTO/ HYOGO UNIVERSITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION: ART LUNCH PROJECT, JAPAN
Kinichi Fukomoto is professor at the Hyogo University of Teacher Education in Japan and organiser of the international "Art Lunch project" (http://www.art.hyogo-u.ac.jp/fukumo/ArtLunchProject/ArtLunchHome.html ). The project is part of a comparative study dealing with different interpretations of the common lessons theme among teachers. The idea of the project is on the one hand the practical implementation of teachers' theses regarding artistic teaching methods in various countries. On the other hand children of different countries can express themselves artistically by creating their own lunch foods. Therefore the project shows different views and approaches to arts education as well as its practical implementation and can serve for intercultural exchange. Arts educators, art specialists, and classroom teachers from the Philippines, Japan, Scotland/UK, Portugal, Turkey, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Poland and Slovenia participate in the project. Under the rubric "recipes" the descriptions of the projects are available, including information about topics, approaches to the project, planning, evaluation and feedback. If you click on the "menu" button you can also see photos documenting the outcomes of the various countries' projects. If you want your children to take part in one of the offered courses or if you'd just like to have some more information about the project click here: http://www.art.hyogo-u.ac.jp/fukumo/ArtLunchProject/ContactUs.html .
FUNDACIÓ LA CAIXA: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME "EDUCALIA" FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND TEACHERS, SPAIN
Educalia is an educational programme that Fundació "la Caixa" has developed on an Internet basis for children from 3 to 18 years of age, along with their families and teachers. It is grounded on a broad concept of education, whereby the web is characteristically open, interactive and dynamic. "Educalia" is structured into two main sections: Infant and Primary Educalia aimed at children from 3 to 12 years of age, along with their parents and teachers, and Secondary Educalia aimed at Secondary School pupils and teachers. The objectives of "Educalia" are to support the Infant, Primary and Secondary education cycles through the use of interesting content that promotes reflection and analysis, to strengthen relationships and interchange between the members of the education community by offering a variety of areas for participation, and to provide a platform that combines education with entertainment, where pupils, teachers and parents can share their interests and exchange experiences, promoting all of this through the use of new technologies. The website http://www.educalia.org/edujsp/home.jsp?idioma=en is available in English, Castellano and Català and provides a fantastic world for children and teachers including various interactive games, teaching materials, forums, workshops and projects.
NATIONAL:
EARLYARTS WEBSITE HAS BEEN RELAUNCHED!
The revised site at http://www.earlyarts.co.uk has had a complete overhaul and, whilst you won't notice huge differences to the style, the content and navigation system has been completely updated, and will become more interactive as we develop the forum and calendar aspects. Earlyarts is a shared learning resource and, as such, welcomes additional materials for the sections on organisations and networks, case studies, resource materials, job opportunities, and artists who would like to join the database. Please visit the site, use the Resource Bank, update yourself on latest news, regional strategies or policy issues, and submit your links (regional, national or international). The entire site has been moved on to a more interactive content management system, called Mambo (an open source, i.e. FREE, platform for anyone wishing to keep large amounts of data current without the need for specialist technicians to do so once you know how to use it).
MINISTERIAL RESHUFFLE
Among other moves in the Government reshuffle of May 5 2006:
- Alan Johnson was appointed as Secretary of State for Education and Skills, replacing Ruth Kelly.
- Jim Knight was appointed as Minister of State for Schools, replacing Jacqui Smith.
- Beverley Hughes, the Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, now has a Parliamentary Under-Secretary - Parmjit Dhanda.
- There is a new department with a new Cabinet post in charge of Social Exclusion, filled by Hilary Armstrong.
The full list of Cabinet and other Ministers may be found at http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page9393.asp
THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE: CONSULTATION ON A SINGLE QUALITY FRAMEWORK FOR SERVICES TO CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO FIVE This was published by DfES on 5th May 2006. The consultation will end on 28 July. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) will be a single, statutory framework for care, learning and development for children in all early years settings from birth to the August after their fifth birthday. It builds on the existing Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, the Birth to Three Matters Framework and the National Standards for under 8s Day Care and Childminding. EYFS will link together the four aspects of Birth to Three Matters, and the six areas of learning and development, within the context of the five Every Child Matters outcomes, and will provide a single, clear framework applying across the sector. Many of the principles underpinning the requirements and guidance will remain the same and there is a universal concern around the lack of value given to creative practice across all areas of learning and development. We would urge you to submit a response, no matter how small, by the deadline. The higher the number of responses from the arts and early years sectors, the more impact we might have on stressing the value and longer term impact the arts and creative practice can have on the lives of very young children, their carers and families.
The timetable is:
- In the summer of 2006 Thinking about Childminding will be published, with more details of the role of childminders in developing EYFS.
- A non-statutory CD-Rom in support of the statutory framework will be available from November 2006.
- In the light of responses to the Consultation, a final document will be produced by the end of 2006.
- Training will be developed and delivered through 2007 and 2008.
- There will be a formal consultation early in 2008, before Parliament gives the EYFS its statutory force.
- Through the forthcoming Childcare Act (currently the Childcare Bill) the Foundation Stage will be taken out of the National Curriculum and EYFS will be a separate, distinct phase of provision tailored specifically for the needs of very young children. However EYFS will be of equal importance to the National Curriculum and will be statutory for all providers required to register with Ofsted.
- EYFS will begin to be delivered in settings from September 2008 onwards, and implementation will be phased and flexible.
The Framework and consultation are downloadable from
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1393
THE NEW EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONAL STATUSThe Standards for this role have been announced by the Children's Workforce Development Council (http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk), including proposals to equate the role with that of a newly qualified teacher, and yet assign high level supervisory and leadership roles, including high staff to children ratios. Concerned? Share your views with CWDC during their Regional Tours, in which they will be visiting the nine English regions to meet the children and young people's workforce, share ideas and gain feedback on current and future projects. More details here: http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/projects/earlyyears.htm .The Regional Tours will be taking place as follows:
Yorkshire and Humberside - 26 June North East - 4 July
North West - 5 September London - 18 September
South West - 4 October West Midlands - 9 October
East of England - 1 November South East - 20 November
East Midlands - 1 December
SERVICE DIRECTORIES SURVEY - LINKING UP DIRECTORIES OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES
This was published by DfES Research on 27th April 2006 (DfES RR/RB 731). This research focused on the ways in which, and the extent to which Local Authorities are meeting the requirements of Every Child Matters to provide comprehensive up-to-date local information in the form of a directory that is accessible to parents, professionals, children and young people. It also examined how Children's Information Services provide information to parents on childcare in their areas. To download the Report or a Briefing visit www.dfes.gov.uk/research and write 731 into the Freetext box on the right.
FAMILY LIFE VOUCHERS
In a report, The Other Glass Ceiling, launched on 25th April 2006, the think-tank Demos says that the government should give parents 'family life' vouchers that could be used for a number of activities. Demos suggests that the vouchers - administered in a similar way to the government's childcare vouchers - could be spent on a cleaner, a driver for the school run or an after-school activity. They also argue that fathers should be encouraged to play a more active role in child care and development through ‘bring your dad to school' days and other proposed initiatives. According to polling carried out by NOP for the report, 44% of mothers said they would take the day off work if their child was unexpectedly ill and couldn't go to school, but only 3% said that their husband or male partner would take the day off work in these circumstances. For more details of the report visit http://www.demos.co.uk/media/pressreleases/otherglassceilingrelease/
THE IMPACT OF ARTSMARK ON SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND
This research study was undertaken to establish whether the Artsmark scheme has been successful in achieving its aims of encouraging schools to increase the range of arts they provide and raising the profile of arts education. The research involved detailed analysis of applications from rounds one to four of this scheme from schools that had applied for the first time and those that had reapplied to retain their award. Discussion with LEA advisors and head teachers or art coordinators from both achieving and non-achieving schools was also undertaken to establish the effect that Artsmark has had on a wide range of schools. The executive summary of this study has now been published and is available free of charge. Copies can be ordered through Marston Book Services on 01235 465500 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it If you would like to receive a copy of the full research report contact Tansy Jones on 020 7973 6462 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MUSIC IN THE EARLY YEARS
Feedback is the journal of the organization Youth Music, and its Spring 2006 edition is about music in the early years. A ten-page section has details of good practice, initiatives, projects and ideas about introducing young children to music. The journal (three issues a year) is free - call 020 7902 1060, or visit http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/contact.jsp
SEARCHING FOR MEANING
A three year documentary of creative practice at Canterbury Nursery and Centre for Children and Families will be launched this summer. The main evaluation section (written by Ruth Churchill Dower with support from Sharon Hogan, Head of Centre) tries to recognise the key practical issues in developing and promoting good practice, and identify the main principles for designing a creative early learning programme, of value to teachers, heads and managers, policy makers in both the arts and early years sectors, arts educationalists, funders and academics. In addition, the publication comes with seven inserts on specific areas of creative practice (written by creative practitioners Chris Hoy and Helen Sims, with support from the staff at Canterbury and early years consultant, Ann Hedley), of interest to practitioners, parents, carers, early years workers and trainers. To order your copy in time for its launch in September, please contact Canterbury on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.canterburycc.co.uk.
THEATRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE - 50 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL THEATRE IN THE UK
Quicksilver has recently collaborated with other key figures in the children's theatre industry to put together this new publication. This is the first publication to tell the story of how Theatre for Children and Young People has developed artistic and cultural diversity in a continually changing social/political context. Through articles and casebooks, it details the development of Theatre for Children and Young People in the UK. It is a key collaborative venture by the Association Of Professional Children's Theatre Companies - backed by the Arts Council. To buy a copy email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text96100 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring Cheryl Robson on 020 8898 4488. Sale price: £9.99 (including postage) / 248 pages / ISBN 09546912-8-8.
THE EXCELLENCE OF PLAY
Carey English and Pat Broadhead have written a chapter in the 2nd edition of The Excellence of Play edited by J Moyles (2005) entitled 'Open ended role play: supporting creativity and developing identity'. Publisher: Open University Books, ISBN: 0335217583. A copy of the book can be bought from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0335217575/026-6036373-1468408?v=glance&n=266239 .
THE SKYLIGHT SEMINARS 2006-7
A group of three seminars for ReFocus members who are actively engaged in developing their work ‘in dialogue with the preschools of Reggio Emilia'. It is being hosted in partnership with the Institute of Education, London, and developed/presented by Carlina Rinaldi, Robin Duckett and Peter Moss. The seminars will create a learning community focussing on ethical, pedagogical and philosophical issues encountered in the development of reflective and researchful practice. The first date of the programme has now been rescheduled to September 2006. We are in the process of developing a learning group for participants. Applications will remain open until further notice. Flyer here: http://www.sightlines-initiative.com/uploads/skylight_email.pdf . Information and application form here: http://www.sightlines-initiative.com/uploads/Skylight%20Seminars%20Application%20Form.doc .
PLAYTRAIN ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN THEIR VOLUNTARY MANAGEMENT BOARD
An information pack is available from playtrain that explains the role of Board Members. playtrain are looking to complement the skills mix of existing Board Members with people who have an interest or expertise in the following: Play and Early Years; Arts and culture; Fundraising; Legal; Personnel; Press/Public Relations; Equal Opportunities. For more information and to submit an expression of interest, please contact Claire Mills at playtrain. Phone: 0121 449 6665, Fax: 0121 449 8221, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Web: www.playtrain.org.uk.
CHILDREN'S CENTRES SUPPORT KIT FROM NDNA
On 20th April 2006 National Day Nurseries Association launched a new support kit to help local authorities involve the private sector in the development of Sure Start Children's Centres. The kit will provide local authorities with sources of suggested practice and case studies that will help them develop Sure Start Children's Centres. The first three documents from the support kit are now available and will be sent to every local authority in England. They are: Ensuring sustainability in Sure Start Children's Centres; Community engagement in Sue Start Children's Centres; Briefing note: Looking at how Worcestershire Early Years and Childcare Services involved private providers in the development of Sure Start Children's Centres. More details here: www.ndna.org.uk/PressOffice/display.asp?ID=162&Type=2
CHILDREN'S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BUSINESS PLAN
The Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) announced on 11th April 2006 the publication of its 2006-07 Business Plan. This sets out key activities for the organisation, including a helpline that will provide career and training advice for the children and young people's workforce and a £3.3M investment in local workforce strategies, as part of CWDC's wider role in supporting local change and delivery. For more details visit
DARING DISCOVERIES- ARTS BASED LEARNING IN THE EARLY YEARS
Produced by Doncaster Community Arts this will be published in summer 2006. Daring Discoveries is a Creative Partnerships publication for artists and practitioners working with very young children. Compiled by darts, Doncaster Community Arts, and Professor Cathy Nutbrown at Sheffield University. The publication will be available in September 2006. For a free copy email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
FOUNDATION TO PARTICIPATION - AN EARLY YEARS CONSULTATION RESEARCH PROJECT
Playtrain has been awarded a three year grant from the Bernard Van Leer Foundation to research and test an age appropriate methodology for consulting with early year's children, to improve services for young children and their families in the arts, cultural and leisure sectors. Our children's consultation method will enable children to reflect on new services and play a role in the adaptation of these experiences to ensure their suitability for the age group. All information in the creative process will create a ‘picture' of young children's thoughts about a subject and will be an integral part of the consultation methodology. The research findings and a publication presenting the case studies will be launched at an exhibition of the project in February 2007. New training programmes will be developed specifically for the staff of arts, leisure and cultural centres. If you would like further information on this project please contact Claire Mills at: playtrain, Tel: 0121 449 6665 Fax: 0121 449 8221 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.playtrain.org.uk/
KEYS TO MUSIC: MAKING MUSIC WITH DEAF CHILDREN IN EARLY YEARS Music and the Deaf, the unique charity in the UK providing music-making opportunities for deaf people by deaf musicians, is proud to announce the imminent completion of the final stage of "Keys to Music: Unlocking the National Curriculum for Deaf Pupils". From 2003 the project has involved assessing current resources and the curriculum guidelines and requirements, undertaking workshops in schools with deaf pupils and making adaptations to enable all hearing-impaired pupils to take part in the music national curriculum throughout primary and secondary school. User-friendly teachers guides have been published for Key Stages 1 and 2, and for Key Stage 3 (with advice on Key Stage 4) and these are in use across the UK and the wider world - in schools as far away as Alaska, Australia, Canada and Japan.
The final stage of the "Keys to Music" project is with deaf and hearing-impaired pupils in early years settings. Danny Lane, Education Projects Manager at MatD, who is himself profoundly deaf, has led a programme of workshops in early years settings across the UK. Danny has researched the Birth to Three Matters framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum and has made adaptations to enable the youngest deaf children to be included, using a wide range of musical concepts such as pulse, rhythm, pitch and dynamics with percussion instruments used as they offer visual and tactile sensation. The project will conclude with the publication of two user-friendly guides: one for specialists in early years education and one for parents to use in their homes, to be published in July. The guides will be available at a subsidised cost of £25 for use in early years settings and £15 for the guide for use at home, due to generous support of The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Copies can be reserved by contacting Danny Lane at Music and the Deaf on 01484 483115 (voice), 01484 483117 (minicom) or e mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
GOGO! BY ACTION TRANSPORT THEATRE
Following on from the success of ‘Dumisani's Drum (2003) and ‘Tselane's Song' (2004), ‘Gogo' is ATC's third South African co-production with Vulavulani Theatre Company and is touring nationally this summer. Gogo tells the story of two kids from Soweto who are sent to live with their Gogo (Grandmother) in the country. Township culture comes face to face with African tradition as the battle begins. Made in Soweto and Ellesmere Port, "Gogo" is a funny and moving family adventure, told with live music and dance, a journey into the jungle and a deadly snake bite! ‘Gogo' opened at the Unity Theatre Liverpool in June 2006, and is touring across the UK until July 2006. For full tour dates please go to our website www.actiontransporttheatre.co.uk
THE ASPIRE PILOT
A NESTA funded project that is working towards building a shared vision of schome (not school - not home - schome - the education system for the Information Age). The Aspire Pilot is facilitating young people in designing 'provocations' to support others in developing creative visions of schome (the education system for the Information Age). The Aspire Pilot is also building a community of interested people who are keen to develop thinking about schome, which includes young people, policy makers, educational professionals, those educating otherwise and anyone with an interest in creative educational futures. Find out more about the Aspire Pilot at http://aspire-pilot.open.ac.uk
LISTENING TO CHILDREN: RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION
This is a ten-week training course designed for those who work with children and young people and want to improve their skills of research and consultation. Run by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (CRFR - www.crfr.ac.uk), it involves a combination of online learning and classroom sessions based at the University of Edinburgh, and is now enrolling for Autumn 06. The course is aimed at those with a grounding in social research, and costs £650 (£750 if you wish to study for credit). Full details and sample learning materials available at http://www.crfr.ac.uk/cpd/listeningtochildren/. For any further information, please contact Laura Marshall, Tel: 0131 651 3001, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
YOUTH MUSIC'S COMMITMENT TO EARLY YEARS MUSIC MAKING
Youth Music wants every child to begin a life long journey from the earliest possible moment. The first fruits of this journey will be a positive impact upon learning and development by the time they reach primary school. To this end, Youth Music wants to ensure that every child under five years of age has access to music-making opportunities. To achieve this, they are currently focusing their efforts on three major initiatives: www.bongoclub.org.uk; a free music resource pack; and a partnership with DfES to enable provision across the country for those with least access - via Sure Start Children's Centres. For more information on Youth Music's early years work contact Christina Coker Tel: 020 7902 1060 or look at their website http://www.bongoclub.org.uk/home.html
MUSICLEADER.NET
MusicLeader Yorkshire is for everyone who is involved with young people's music making. Whether you're a piano teacher, a community musician, a classroom teacher, you run a band or choir, or if you organise or manage music activities, whether you're a volunteer or a professional, they are there to help. MusicLeader have a new series of training events running from April to July 2006. More information here: http://www.musicleader.net/content.asp?CategoryID=857 or telephone Clare Games on 01422 321 823
5 X 5 X 5 = CREATIVITY EXHIBITION 2006 - FRIDAY 16TH JUNE TO SUNDAY 16TH JULY 2006 - MICHAEL TIPPETT CENTRE, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Shows work from an action research project involving 5 groups of early years settings in the Bristol and Somerset areas, 5 artists and 5 cultural centres working in partnership to support young children's creativity. Seminar on 16th June - further details from Caroline Thibeaud 01225 396425 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
TUTTI FRUTTI
Tutti Frutti have now moved and their new address is Space@, Hillcrest Primary School, Cowper Street, Leeds, LS7 4DR. Tel: 0113 262 2662. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Current production now touring is ‘The Girl Who Lost Her Smile' and touring from October 2006 will be ‘Jack' - for further details of these productions email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
AN INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION: ONE DAY TRAINING COURSE - 21ST JULY 2006 or 7TH SEPTEMBER 2006, THE PRIORY, 54 LYNCOMBE HILL, BATH
Run by Annabel Jackson, an evaluator specialising in the arts with twenty years experience, the course aims to give participants a solid grounding in the conceptual and practical issues around evaluation, whether carried out internally or through an expert evaluator. At the end of the course, students will have practical tools to improve the effectiveness of their own or other organisation's evaluation systems. The cost is £150 per participant, including refreshments, but not lunch. Book by calling 01225446614 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CALLING ALL LANCASHIRE DANCE LOVERS! LUDUS DANCE NEEDS YOU ... to be a Dance Record Breaker on Saturday, 22nd July 2006 at Blackpool Tower Ballroom as part of the Big Dance - a week-long, England-wide celebration of dance. On Saturday, 22nd July 2006, Ludus Dance is joining up with BBC Radio Lancashire and the Arts Council at the Blackpool Tower. This is your chance to take part in the world's biggest ever dance class across the whole of England, at exactly the same time thousands of people will be performing the same dance at exactly the same time. No age limits and no experience required. Your help and enthusiasm will get us into the Guinness Book of records! Blackpool Tower is the Lancashire venue for the Big Dance Class. The tower will open its doors at 10am on 22nd July, and you can turn up from then. Everyone taking part in the dance attempt must register on the day - that way we can verify the number taking part for the record breaking attempt. The actual recording breaking dance will start at 12.30 and will last approximately ten minutes, with rehearsals running from 11.00 am. To register your involvement call the BBC Radio Lancashire Action Line: 0845 305 9000. The tickets will then be posted out to you. Take a look at Big Dance events across England which include a BBC live coverage of a mass dance spectacular in Trafalgar Square, London with Bruce Forsyth and Zoe Ball. Full information at: www.ludusdance.org/bigdance.
TELL TALE HEARTS' LATEST SHOW BENEATH THE WAVES
The show has successfully received funding from Arts Council England, Yorkshire. The show will be touring regionally to Yorkshire during autumn 2006 and nationally during late spring and autumn 2007. The show is "A magical, highly engaging theatre experience for children aged between 3 and 7 that combines puppetry, video animation and some live music with mesmerising interactive installations to explore the enchanting world beneath the waves." Maximum of 40 per performance. Contact Pavla Beier, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
THE FIVE MINDS FOR THE FUTURE - A WORLD WIDE LAUNCH OF THE NEW THEORY WITH PROFESSOR HOWARD GARDNER - FRIDAY, 8TH SEPTEMBER 2006 - GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL
Howard Gardner will discuss his forthcoming theory ‘The Five Minds for the Future'. Given the vast changes in the world, and the shifting responsibility for education across the life span, Howard Gardner discusses the kinds of minds that will be at the greatest premium in this century and how best to cultivate them. For more information and for a booking form contact Sarah Harper/Lynn Priestley at Tapestry Partnership Tel: 0141 282 5275 Fax: 0141 282 5140 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DANISH PRE-SCHOOLS UK STUDY WEEK - 25th to 29th SEPTEMBER 2006
A collaboration between ReFocus, the Danish Reggio network and ReMidaDK. A five day study visit to Denmark to explore pedagogy and practice in Danish preschools and Forest schools with particular focus on the following: Reflective and creative Forest School experiences; Resource centres for re-found materials (ReMidaDK); Creative enabler experiences; Systems of reflective practice. Suitable for educators, politicians, environmental officers, trainers, early years partnership officers, early childhood educators, nursery nurses, teachers, day care workers, artists etc. Costs: Non-ReFocus members: £600 (this does not include accommodation and travel); ReFocus members: £550 (this does not include accommodation and travel). Group size 50. For more information and an application form please click here: Denmark Study Week information and application form. Or contact Emma Pace on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (tel: 0191 2617666).
THE COLLECTORS
Playtrain is committed to working directly with children and encouraging their participation to support the development of the organisation. They are undertaking a local, national and international creative consultation and action research art project called The Collectors. They will be exploring issues affecting children today and their ideas for the future. If you are between 3-14yrs or an arts worker, childcare worker, parent or carer and would like to get involved please contact Ruth. Phone: 0121 449 6665, Fax: 0121 449 8221, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Web: www.playtrain.org.uk .
ARTS & KIDS WEBSITE will list national summer events for children (0 to 16+) free of charge. Arts organisations across the UK are welcome to advertise all of their family arts activities for the autumn months for free. 'The Events for Kids' section of the Arts & Kids website is easy to use. Now you can upload the information directly to the web server via http://www.artsandkids.org.uk/events/edit.php. Arts & Kids Week is taking place again from 21-29 October 2006: to get as many children as possible excited about the arts. Don't forget that regional events are also listed on Audience Yorkshire's digyorkshire website - http://www.digyorkshire.com/; and for the north west, the Family Friendly events site: http://www.familyfriendly.org.uk/homepage.asp
VOICEPLAY BY ALISON STREET AND LINDA BRUCE
Voiceplay is an inspired collection of 22 songs for children aged 3-5 years which can be used by all practitioners, whether or not they are music specialists, in all Early Years settings. Voiceplay empowers the practitioner and encourages children to embark on their own vocal and musical adventures. It includes 22 fantastic songs using movement, actions, play, and stories; clear guidance notes and extension activities for each song; advice on singing with young children; voice play warm ups; relevant foundation stage areas of learning indicated for each song; and a CD with performances of all songs and examples of many extension activities. To see and hear the songs go to the VOICEWORKS website at www.oup.com/uk/music/educ . VOICEPLAY is available as a pack including leader's book, children's book, and CD. (978-0-19-321060-8 £19.95). The children's book is beautifully illustrated in full colour and provides a stimulating extra resource. The children's book is included in the pack and also available separately. (ISBN 978-019-321061-5, £3.95). To order your sale or return inspection copy of the Voiceplay pack phone 01536 741068, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
TAKEOFF 2006 - ENGLAND'S LEADING FESTIVAL OF PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE - 10th to 14th OCTOBER 2006 - GATESHEAD
This year's festival is something special again with more performances than in any recent years. There is a particular focus on shared learning and professional development opportunities both for practitioners in theatre for children and young people and the teachers who work with the children. In addition this year, three companies are in residence at a school for the whole period of the festival which will increase the flow of ideas. The teacher training programme, piloted last year in Tees Valley is now combined with the delegate programme, further increasing the opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas. Experienced theatre practitioners and educators will be facilitating the Teacher/Delegate programme to help get the maximum out of the varied programme, exchange ideas and discuss matters of common concern. More information and a booking form here (deadline for payments is 1st September): http://www.ctctheatre.org.uk/takeoff/2006/takeoff2006.htm. Further details contact Lucy Ridley, Festival Coordinator: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
FRAMEWORK FOR LISTENING TO CHILDREN
RAMPS: A framework for listening to children was published by the Daycare Trust in June 2006. The report draws on the findings of the Coram Family Listening to Young Children Project, and is written by Project Manager Y Penny Lancaster. The paper focuses on what it means to enable children to make a positive contribution to their learning, social and/or health care, and provides a way of doing so through the quality assurance framework of RAMPS. The name comes from: Recognising children's many languages; Allocating communication spaces; Making time; Providing choice; Subscribing to a reflective practice. The 16-page framework may be downloaded from http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/mod/fileman/files/RAMPS.pdf
REGIONAL (NORTH WEST):
ADVANCED SKILLS CREATIVES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR UP TO 20 CULTURAL AND CREATIVE WORKERS ON MERSEYSIDE
Four years research and development work by Creative Partnerships Merseyside (CPM) with schools has established a clear demand for ‘Advanced Skills Creatives': people with excellent cultural and or creative skills who understand enough about education and learning to work co-operatively with teachers (and pupils) to bring the curriculum to life, to integrate creativity into learning and to engage the disengaged. This is a unique professional development programme that will be held in Liverpool and will run for 6 full days on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 20th September and 26th October 2006 with up to 2 half days ‘practice' in the week beginning 6th November and a 7th day on 7th December 2006 (100% attendance is required). Those who satisfactorily complete the programme will gain recognition amongst Merseyside LEA's and schools as ‘Advanced Skills Creatives' and there is the possibility of accreditation and points towards an MA through Liverpool John Moores University. The programme will cover learning processes and creative processes, an overview of national educational agendas, negotiation, facilitation, planning, monitoring and evaluation skills and the opportunity to access specialist advice on career and/or business development. The successful applicants for the limited places on this programme will have excellent skills in their specialist creative/cultural area and a substantial track record of working in educational or community settings. They will be interested in developing their career and achieving excellence and will be living and working in Merseyside. Further information and an application form available from Joan Forshaw: Tel: 0151 708 8009; Fax: 0151 709 5268; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Completed applications must be submitted by Monday 31st July 2006. Please note that there are always more applications than places on this programme and interview may be required.
INTIMATE, INTERACTIVE STORY SESSIONS USING PUPPETRY/OBJECTS AND SHADOW THEATRE FOR 3 TO 6 YEAR OLDS are now available from renowned puppeteer and early years movement practitioner, Chris Hoy. Sessions can be followed by workshops for the children in shadows, storymaking and movement. Stories immediately available: Where the Wild Things Are, The Hungry Caterpillar, Tiddylik the Frog and The Red Button. For further information contact: Chris Hoy, Tel: 0113 262 5739; Mobile: 07944784841; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
FAMILY FRIENDLY MERSEYSIDE is an audience development scheme for the arts, which helps families find things to see and do. The scheme produces a FREE, quarterly magazine, listing events and attractions across Merseyside that are family friendly. The Family Friendly marque is a promise to families - that they will be made welcome, that the venue has the facilities that they need, and that the events are suitable for families. Event listings include helpful details such as age suitability, the length of a show and venue facilities to assist parents in making an informed choice about what to do in their valuable leisure time. There are over one hundred events and activities listed for this summer with over half of those for families with young children! The summer issue July - September 2006 is out now! To receive your FREE copy of the magazine contact Carolyn Murray Tel: 0151 - 709 6881 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ARTSEDNEWS
Don't forget you can get the latest regional and national arts and education stories through the online enterprise www.artsednews.co.uk
EUREKA!, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY (MMU) are currently undertaking a research project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation with three early years settings being observed on their visits to the museum during that time. The project is focussing on how early years enablers might work in new ways, developing ‘professionalism' within Eureka's early years provision. Through the facilitation of partnerships between MMU, Eureka! and Sure Start, the research project will examine how early years enablers stimulate young children from birth to five years, alongside familiar practitioners / teachers / parents to engage in a variety of exploratory activities to imaginatively interrogate their world. By using two ‘Imaginative Journeys', one based in the Sound Garden and the other in Desert Discovery, the enablers will initially introduce the children to the notion of journeys of discovery, encouraging exploration, discovering objects, and stimulating child-orientated imaginative journeys. Post-observation discussions will help to nurture reflective and innovative pedagogic practices, which will begin to change the ways the services at Eureka! are currently provided and help develop understandings of enablers' own roles, where for example they examine behaviour, how they scaffold children's learning, the ways they question children and the multiplicity of methods of facilitation that they employ. Such discussions will inform the ways the subsequent imaginative journey is approached. As well as developing Eureka!'s services, the main aim is to gain a greater understanding of, and professional insights into how the enablers facilitate inclusive, creative and imaginative approaches to museum and gallery-based education and support young children's learning so as to disseminate such knowledge at local, national and international level. For more information contact Rebecca Johnson on email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIFFY! - FROM SATURDAY, 15TH APRIL TO SUNDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER 2006, 10.00 AM TO 5.00 PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY EVERY WEEK - MANCHESTER ART GALLERY
Join in the celebrations for Miffy's 50th Birthday, a family focused, interactive exhibition. The exhibition leads you on a colourful journey, meeting Miffy's friends in the library, in the post office and in the garden, before joining Miffy at her birthday party. There are hands on activities for all ages, including dressing up, playing with puppets, listening to stories and writing postcards to Miffy. Entry to the exhibition is FREE, there is no need to book and it is suitable for all ages. More information here: http://www.manchestergalleries.org/html/mag/mag_home.jsp
BUTTON WORLD - FROM 16TH MAY TO 1ST NOVEMBER 2006, 10.00 AM TO 5.00 PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY EVERY WEEK - MANCHESTER ART GALLERY
Welcome to the secret world of buttons, with special activities for family visitors. Uncover the buttons' hidden stories, learn about their makers and wearers, and explore a variety of hands-on activities for all ages. There are games to play, clothes to try on and the opportunity to design your own button. On display is a selection of the Gallery's collection of over 100,000 buttons of every shape, size, colour and material. Entry is FREE, there is no need to book and it is suitable for all ages. More information here: http://www.manchestergalleries.org/html/mag/mag_exhib.jsp
THE DISCOVERY CENTRE - SUNDAY, 21ST MAY TO SUNDAY, 27TH AUGUST 2006 - MANCHESTER MUSEUM
Every Sunday from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm you can drop into the Discovery Centre for drawing and art activities inspired by the Museum's collection. The sessions are FREE and there is no need to book. Suitable for all ages. More information here: http://www.museum.man.ac.uk/
SUMMER EVENTS AT EUREKA!
Visit Eureka! The Museum for Children this summer and take part in special events for children of all ages, indoors and out! Unless otherwise stated events run regularly throughout the day and are FREE on entry to Eureka! More information on the above events here: http://www.eureka.org.uk/events.htm.
Saturday, 17th June to Sunday, 3rd September, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm - Maze Of Illusions (Suitable for children of all ages). What you see isn't always what you get! Put your perceptions to the test in an open air maze with optical puzzles and illusions around every corner.
Saturday, 22nd July to Sunday, 3rd September - Summer Fun For Under Fives (Suitable for children up to 5 years). Get hands-on with robot-themed craft activities and outdoor activities especially for younger visitors and meet the green-fingered cartoon favourite Gordon the Garden Gnome.
Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th July and Saturday, 5th and Sunday, 6th August - Little Diggers (Suitable for children of all ages). Discover the magic of the garden with hands-on workshops celebrating Halifax's entry in the Britain in Bloom 2006 competition including digging, planting and watering activities, garden-themed crafts and face-painting.
Friday, 1st to Sunday, 3rd September - Make Me A Musketeer (in association with Northern Ballet Theatre) (Suitable for children of all ages). Join us for a swashbuckling end of summer party, with creative dance and fencing workshops, craft activities and storytelling based on the famous adventure the Three Musketeers. There's also a chance to meet some of the cast from Northern Ballet Theatre's new production of 'The Three Musketeers' on 1st September .
Every Saturday and Sunday from 22nd July to 3rd September - Interactive Story Time (Suitable for all ages). Bring your imaginations to Eureka! and take part in interactive story sessions for children of all ages.
THE CHILDREN FIRST PRIZE DRAW IS A PROJECT CREATED TO SUPPORT A NATIONAL TOURING EXHIBITION ENTITLED 'CELEBRATING YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK WITH THEM' - WOODLANDS CONFERENCE CENTRE, CHORLEY - 10TH TO 20TH JULY 2006 Lancashire were successful in winning a bid to host this exhibition and they have set up a whole range of activities to support the exhibition. The Prize Draw is aimed at children from birth to 14, parents and carers of all ages and the people who work with the children in childcare settings, at home as childminders and in schools. We have asked for creative depictions of children's favourite stories, so we are hoping for photographs, videos, paintings, collages, in fact anything - we hope that children will be adventurous. From parents and carers we have asked for something that represents the joy of living with children and from the people who work with children we want something that represents why they do their jobs. Visit the exhibition run by the Lancashire Sure Start Early Years and Childcare Service, or for more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
MANCHESTER TAPESTRY - URBIS, MANCHESTER - SATURDAYS, 15TH, 22ND AND 29TH JULY, 5TH, 12TH AND 19TH AUGUST AND 2ND SEPTEMBER
Create your own unique artwork made solely out of Manchester materials. From discarded local newspapers and unused fabric to broken brollies and old football shirts: Manchester throws up enough raw materials for you to create your own urban fabric. This workshop is designed to bring out the creative talent in every family. A small section of your final tapestry will be removed and added to a larger exhibit to reflect Manchester's diverse blend! The workshops will be drop in sessions lasting an hour each, there is no need to book in advance. They are suitable for families of all ages. The workshops will run at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. For further details please call 0161 605 8205 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. The price is £3.00 per child, free for parents.
AD YOUR AREA - URBIS, MANCHESTER - MONDAY, 17TH JULY 2006
Can you re-brand Rusholme, charm us with Cheetham Hill or successfully advertise Ancoats? Our Saturday workshops will be geared up for families to produce a new print advertisement to promote their local region. All entries will be judged and the winning entry will receive a top prize and see their work displayed on the Urbis website!
The workshops will be drop in sessions lasting an hour each, there is no need to book in advance and they are FREE to attend. They are suitable for families of all ages. The workshops will run at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. For further details please call 0161 605 8205 or email
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.
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY - SUNDAY, 23RD JULY 2006 - THE LOWRY, MANCHESTER
Come and celebrate the opening of our exhibition Folk Archive by taking a ride on a life size mechanical elephant, making sculptures out of vegetables and watching the switch on of The Lowry's very own illuminations, direct from Blackpool.
The day runs from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm, there is no need to book, just drop in. The event is FREE and is suitable for all ages. More information here: http://www.thelowry.com/WhatsOn/EventDetail.aspx?EventId=2455
MANCHESTER SUMMER MEGA MELA - SATURDAY, 29TH AND SUNDAY, 30TH JULY 2006 - PLATT FIELDS PARK
An inspiring celebration of Asian arts and culture with music, entertainment and performances from locally and internationally renowned artists, food and fashion, stalls and much more. "The Manchester Mela really is an amazing event which has to be experienced to be believed. The event brings together people from all over Greater Manchester from all cultures through music and dance in a complete party atmosphere." Richard Woolham, BBC Online.
Suitable for all ages, no need to book and is entry is FREE. Call 0161 256 4518 for information or visit: http://www.manchesterlive.co.uk
INSTALLATION DE FEU - FIREGARDEN - COMPAGNIE CARABOSSE (FRANCE) - THURSDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER 2006 - PLATT FIELDS PARK, MANCHESTER
A fairytale environment of fire sculptures across this intimate area of the park - in trees, behind bushes and along pathways - with live music animation. Stroll through, chill out, people-watch! Stay 30 minutes or the whole evening. Carabosse make glorious atmospheric structures laced with firepots - a kind of fantasy never-neverland. You will love this and your children will think they are dreaming!
The installation is open each night from 7.00 pm until 10.00 pm. Adults £1.00 each, children FREE. It is suitable for all ages, but please note that this is not a show, it is an environment to stroll through. Pushchairs and wheelchairs welcome. There is a staffed car park available at £3.00 per car (entrance via Langley Rd, off Wilmslow Road, opposite Owens Park Student Village) More information here: http://www.familyfriendly.org.uk/events.asp?EventID=1455
NORTH WEST EARLYARTS CHAMPIONS GROUP
The next professional development meeting for arts and early years practitioners will be held on Thursday, 7th September 2006 at the M6 Theatre, Hamer CP School, Albert Royds Street, Rochdale OL16 2SU. Membership is open and all are welcome whether artist, educator, sure start worker, policy maker, practitioner, or simply interested.
Earlyarts e-bulletin is prepared by Ruth Churchill Dower and Susan Hirst of Isaacs UK, on behalf of the North West earlyarts network. For further information, please contact Ruth on 01484 688407. To submit articles and events for the next e-bulletin, please contact Susan Hirst, Isaacs UK Administrator on 01484 685869.
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