Earlyarts E-bulletin No 10 - Winter 2006

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Welcome to the tenth 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 Spring e-bulletin is due in April; please forward any activities, events, or news articles about your work to the email above by Thursday April 6th.

 

 

International:

•  A EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON RESEARCH

carried out into evaluating the impact of arts and cultural education on children and young people, on January 10, 11 and 12, 2007 at the Centre Pompidou, in Paris . This symposium aim will be to take stock both of completed research and of research still in progress. The parameters of this research should be understood in the broad sense that the notion of arts and cultural education carries in France : arts teaching as part of the school curriculum, arts and cultural activities carried out during school time and free time, arts teaching given out of school hours by specialised teaching institutions.

Through its evaluation of the impact of arts education, the symposium will seek to highlight the relationship between details of implementation of arts and cultural education and results obtained, trying in particular to assess the added value of the various schemes offering cultural activities. This evaluation will also focus on training schemes for teachers, artists and other professionals involved in the educational field. Lastly, the symposium will focus on research conducted over wide areas (be they national or regional), in order to measure the global impact of educational arts policies (for example, in terms of pupil success, or the development of new cultural practices).

In addition to European researchers, the symposium will welcome teams specialising in these subjects from other parts of the world, in particular the United States .

The scientific committee is composed of : Bernard Darras (University of Paris 1), Olivier Donnat (French Ministry of Culture and Communication), Alain Kerlan (University of Lyon), Bernard Lahire (University de Lyon), Joël Paubel (University Institute for Teacher Training of Versailles), André Petitjean (University of Metz), Catherine Régnier (French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research), Bruno Suchaut (Institute for Research in the Sociology and Economics of Education - French National Center for Scientific Research, University of Bourgogne), Emmanuel Wallon (University of Paris X) et Anita Weber (French Ministry of Culture and Communication). It is chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Fraisse, Director of the French National Institute of Pedagogic Research.

Proposals for papers are invited before January 15, 2006 , but will be accepted until March 31, 2006. Contact Charlotte Fesneau, Chargée de mission, Service éducatif de la Direction de l'Action Educative et des Publics, Centre Pompidou, 75191 Paris cedex 04, France . Tel : +33 (0)1.44.78.12.68. E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text12256 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it More information can be found here

• GERHARD JÄGER, ART BASICS FOR CHILDREN (ABC): BRUSSELS/BELGIUM. Art Basics for Children (ABC), an initiative of the Austrian artist and cultural philosopher Gerhard Jäger, is a young organization working out of Brussels. The work carried out in this laboratory focuses on the study and development of the artistic experience and aesthetic education. ABC is known for its mobile studios, which provide everyone aged four and over with an introduction to or a more in-depth knowledge of different art forms. The studios are specially designed activity stations, equipped with books, CD-ROMs, objects, videos, sound recordings, themed packages including all kinds of material, etc. The visitor can explore the tour at his own pace or under the supervision of an ABC-trained guide. ABC endeavours to stimulate the individual visitor's imagination with a view to bringing him or her into contact with the history of art and culture.

In addition to the studios, ABC also feeds the discussion about art and education with debates and research. Children's workshops are organized and together with teachers the non-profit organization wants to support research into the practice of art education. During the 2002-2003 season, ABC worked specifically on integrating architecture into education, carrying out a study at the request of the Flemish Ministry of Education and working with students of architecture on new activity stations and architecture boxes that can be loaned. Find more information here

 

•  YEHUDI MENHUIN FOUNDATION - MUS-E PROJECT - the aim of the MUS-E initiative is to prevent racism and violence in underprivileged primary schools through introducing all arts: music, singing, mime, dance, visual and martial arts. The originality of the project lies in the fact that professional artists come and share their skills with primary school teachers before and whilst working with children. A minimum of 10% of the weekly schedule of lessons is devoted to MUS-E® activities so children can discover their own creative potential and express it within group dynamics. The MUS-E® programme is set within the pedagogical project of the schools concerned for a period of at least three years in order to measure impact. Over 225 primary schools and nurseries are involved in the programme across 16 European countries, reaching more than 25,000 children and involves more than 500 artists.

Creation of new MUS-E programme: The CANTO programme for elementary education is going one step further with the help of an evaluation, which states that singing permanently in kindergarten fosters health, social and mental development of children. The children involved in CANTO kindergartens, although coming from a socially disorientated background, showed by far better language and mathematic skills than comparable groups. More details here: http://www.mus-e.net/pub_muse.html

• THE MUS-E ARCHITECTS, EXHIBITION , 11 January to 3 February 2006, Antwerp Belgium - An exhibition with children's artworks under the title "The MUS-E Architects" will be on display in Antwerp, at the beginning of the New Year. The children are giving their ideas of what a city of their dreams would be like. The children will make a model of this city that will be exhibited in the new communal library. MUS-E decided to start this project with an exhibition to let the children show through art their ideas about their environment and what they would like to improve. The project is organised by MUS-E Belgium artists Patries Wichers and Pat Buwalda. For details contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text15437 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

•  DENMARK TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL STUDY - CAN ART IMPROVE CHILDREN'S READING HABITS? An international study focusing on culture at school and its significance for learning in general. The Danish Arts Council has decided that Denmark should take part in the large-scale international study 'Art and Education' which will feature in UNESCO's summit meeting in March 2006. The Arts Council would like to throw some light on the connection between the quality of the Danish school system and the scope and quality of artistic elements at school - including the aesthetic subjects, arts and artists' participation in the process of teaching arts, and the use of artistic elements in teaching other subjects. T he study is going to include 21 countries from all over the world. It is expected to be ready for the Lisbon summit in March. Website:  http://www.boernogkultur.dk/section2/Skole_og_dagtilbud/index.aspx?id=427b0df6-4c03-41db-ba97-f36a054d10b1

National:

•  NEW DIRECTOR OF SURE START - Naomi Eisenstadt CB has been appointed Chief Adviser on Children's Services. She will play a key part in the whole Every Child Matters programme, driving up the quality of policy and practice and ensuring that both are rooted in evidence of what works and are informed by innovative research. Naomi will take up her new role on 1 February. She will be succeeded as Director of the Sure Start, Extended Schools and Familes Group by Sheila Scales. For the DfES Press Release visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2005_0149

•   NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION STAGE - Lesley Staggs, who has been National Director, Foundation Stage since September 2003, will be leaving the post in February 2006. For more details of the advertisement for her replacement (Times Education Supplement, 9 December 2005) visit http://jobs.tes.co.uk/rs6/cl.asp?action=view_ad&ad_id=295391

•  THE CHILDCARE BILL was introduced into Parliament on 8 November 2005. The Bill:

Ø   Enshrines in law parents' legitimate expectation of accessible high quality childcare and services for children under 5 and their families;

Ø   Confirms the vital role of local authorities as strategic leaders, working in partnership across all sectors to shape the future provision of childcare and delivery of early childhood services, raising quality of provision and improving outcomes for all children;

Ø   Places the needs of children and their parents at the heart of the proposed legislation, with local authorities as the champions of parents and children, ensuring that their views are heard in the planning and delivery of services which reflect the real needs of families;
Ø   Gives parents, whatever their background, the certainty of knowing that high quality local services will be provided to support them and their children in ways that suit their needs.

The proposed Bill would achieve these aims through new statutory duties that would build on local authorities existing roles and responsibilities. It will:

 

Ø   Require local authorities to improve the outcomes of all children under 5 and close the gaps between those with the poorest outcomes and the rest, by ensuring early childhood services are integrated, proactive and accessible;

Ø   Place a duty giving local authorities the lead role in facilitating the childcare market to ensure it meets the needs of working parents, in particular those on low incomes and with disabled children;

Ø   Ensure that people have access to the full range of information they may need as a parent;

Ø   Lead to a reformed, simplified, childcare and early years regulation framework to reduce bureaucracy and focus on raising quality;

Ø   Introduce the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to support the delivery of quality integrated education and care for children from birth to age 5 (see Learning and Care section).

To download the Childcare Bill and the Explanatory Notes to the Bill visit here

To download a 9-page summary of the Childcare Bill from Sure Start visit here

Timetable of Bill:

Early 2007:   Publication of guidance and regulations, after consultation

 

2007:          Local authorities likely to be required to carry out an assessment of childcare needs

 

Early 2008:   Reforms of the regulation and inspection of childcare expected to come into force

 

Early 2008:   New duties on local authorities likely to come into force

 

• NEW FUNDING FOR EDUCATIONAL WORK - Museums and Galleries across England have received a £9.4 million boost as the Government announced new funding for educational work. Children and young people across the country will benefit as national and regional museums and galleries will work closely with schools and help bring the curriculum to life. The funding will be used to support the following areas:

Ø   National and regional museums strategic education development fund;

Ø  Regional education development fund to address local priorities;
Ø  Teacher and museum educator professional development programme;
Ø  Support for gallery education work, channelled through Arts Council England to continue the En-quire programme.

•  EVALUATION OF THE FULL SERVICE EXTENDED SCHOOLS PROJECT: END OF FIRST YEAR REPORT was published by DfES Research in September 2005. The report presents the findings of the evaluation of the first year (school year 2003-4) of the full service extended schools (FSES) initiative, part of the Government's overall vision for all schools to offer a core set of extended activities by 2010. Among the findings were:

Ø  Local authorities and schools were seeing the FSES initiative as an opportunity to re-think the role of schools in relation to pupils, families and communities;
Ø  Most FSESs believed that there were potentially significant benefits for children, families and communities arising from childcare provision;
Ø There was considerable anecdotal evidence of the positive outcomes from FSESs. However none amounts to robust evidence of the ‘effectiveness' at this early stage of evaluation;
Ø Multi-agency work was bringing benefits in terms of co-ordinated approaches to vulnerable children and their families.

To download the research brief or the full report visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/and enter RB680 in the Freetext box on the right.

• THINKING SKILLS IN THE EARLY YEARS , published by the National Foundation for Educational Research on 13 October 2005, reviews the literature on thinking skills in children aged 3-7. The review covers post-2000 publications and provides an update of the evidence on thinking skills approaches, suggests areas where more research is needed and makes some practical recommendations for researchers, policy makers and practitioners. The research highlighted the central role that dialogue, questioning, stories and play have in the process of developing and researching young children's thinking skills. Download here http://www.nfer.ac.uk/latest-news/press-releases/teaching-young-children-how-to-think.cfm

• SKILLS FOR CARE AND DEVELOPMENT , the new Sector Skills Council was launched on 8 November 2005. It is an alliance formed by five existing organisations including Skills for Care, the Children's Workforce Development Council, the Care Council for Wales, the Scottish Social Services Council and the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. As one of the planned 25 Sector Skills Councils, Skills for Care and Development is licensed by the Government to represent the interests of around 60,000 employers and 2.5 million workers in adult and child social care in the UK . To download the Skills for Care Press Release visit http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/view.asp?id=690

• THE CALL FOR PAPERS FOR BERA 2006 AT WARWICK , is now out and can be found on the BERA website. In the Creativity SIG, several broad themes are being proposed in the area of Creativity in Education. Co-ordinators Anna Craft, Pamela Burnard, and Teresa Grainger would welcome papers from colleagues working in a broad range of contexts from early years to higher education. The proposed themes:

Ø Creative Teaching, Teaching for Creativity, Creative Learning - Definitions;

Ø  Creativity in Education: Purpose (to encompass ethics);

Ø  Creativity in Education: Pedagogy (to include papers on Partnership);

Ø  Creativity in Education: Assessment and Evaluation (to encompass notions of progression);

Ø  Creativity in Education: Curriculum (to encompass both curriculum framework and curriculum organisation in schools);

Ø Creativity in Education: Research Methodologies.

 

Those interested in making a contribution should contact Anna Craft This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Teresa Grainger This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Pam Burnard This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text89024 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The closing date for abstracts for papers and symposia in the student and main conference, is Friday 20th January.

 

• DIGGING FOR DIAMONDS - EXPLORING WHY AND HOW TO MAKE LEARNING VISIBLE, 2 March 2006. Don't miss the chance to take part in a unique learning exchange that examines the complexities of evaluating learning. Digging for Diamonds is a FREE one-day event drawing on practice inspired by the work of Creative Partnerships and Project Zero (Harvard Graduate School of Education).

Calling for teachers and creative practitioners working in schools and educational settings, subject leaders, senior managers and policy makers interested in developing creativity across the curriculum. Come along and dig up your own diamonds...

More information here. Register here

• C&I SEMINAR , 8 MARCH 2006. PETERBOROUGH . C&I's first seminar of 2006 will be run by artist Karl Foster, one of the stars of the 2005 Conference. It's a slightly difficult event to describe - but Karl's own words might illuminate! Judging from the workshop that Karl ran at the conference it will be a truly inspiring day, covering playing with objects and narratives - innovative ways of promoting the creative thinking, imaginative storytelling and visual art of young children

The day will be centred around Karl's unique 'object dialogue boxes', but the issues raised will have great resonance for anyone seeking to engage children with objects in a creative way. Several key issues will be explored by short practical sessions: belief / disbelief, the familiar and the unknown, the relationship between verbal and visual language, creative freedom versus cultural responsibility, the fear of failure, the need for ‘learning through experience', and the need for a questions-led approach. There will also be an exploration of the type of questions a facilitator needs to ask to promote open inquiry. Booking opens in January - more details on http://www.curiosityandimagination.org.uk/

• THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE takes place on Monday 20 March 2006 in London, on the theme of support for literacy in the home and community. The programme will focus on opportunities for bridging the achievement gap offered by the implementation of the Every Child Matters framework, through dissemination of research evidence, practical examples and lively debate. Speakers will include Tom Jeffrey, director-general of the Children, Young People and Families Directorate at the Department for Education and Skills; Professor John Bynner of the Institute of Education; and Terry Piggott, Children's Services Director at Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Booking details here: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text38024 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/annconf2006.html

• THE WHAT MATTERS TO CHILDREN team are running a two day conference on the theme of the book First hand experience: what matters to children by Diane Rich, Denise Casanova, Annabelle Dixon, Mary Jane Drummond, Andrea Durrant and Cathy Myer on 24-25 March 2006 at The Eden Project, Cornwall.

Workshops and guest speakers: Tim Smit Chief Executive, The Eden Project; Charles Desforges Emeritus Professor, University of Exeter; Peter Dixon author, poet, consultant.  To find out more and book your place:  http://www.richlearningopportunities.co.uk/ and click on the book link. Two conference places will be offered as a bursary in memory of Annabelle Dixon.

• ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND'S FOURTH ANNUAL INSIGHTS CONFERENCE FOR ARTS EDUCATORS takes place on 28th and 29th March 2006 in Bristol.  Insights is a national conference for anyone working in socially engaged practice, interpretation, participation, community development or education within the arts.  Further details will be available in the near future ( http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/)

• ROOTS AND WINGS 2006 : CELEBRATING CHILDREN'S EXPLORATION OF THEIR HERITAGE . Do you provide exciting opportunities for children and young people to learn about heritage of any kind? We are now inviting submissions for the 2006 Roots & Wings awards. The scheme is in its third year and aims to celebrate and share inspiring heritage learning practice. You don't have to be a heritage organisation, and ‘heritage' includes anything which people value as a special legacy from the past, including natural and non-tangible heritage. Visit http://www.curiosityandimagination.org.uk/in_practice.asp. Deadline 3 April 2006

• REGGIO PRESCHOOLS UK STUDY WEEK 2006 , 3 - 7 April 2006, Reggio Emilia. Reggio Children have been able to offer a study week during 2006 for a visit by UK early childhood practitioners and advocates. There will be presentations on their pedagogy, history and aspirations; opportunities to visit schools, observe, meet with teachers & parents, and engage in discussion. It will also be a great opportunity to meet one another and build our own practice. For more info please go to ‘Events' at http://www.sightlines-initiative.com/

• EARLY CHILDHOOD IN 2006: REFLECTIONS ON PRACTICE AND POLICY, NCB EARLY CHILDHOOD UNIT BIENNIAL RESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE on 6 and 7 July 2006 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham.

The conference themes will be:

Birth to five framework: transitional periods:

Ø  Changes in the workforce: developing the profession;

Ø  Continuous quality improvement: perspectives on quality;

Ø Participation and belonging: equality in the early years;

Ø  Young children's health and well-being: the health agenda for early years;

Ø  Planning in a changing sector: working in partnership.

There will be 12 policy and 12 practice focussed workshops from which to choose. Booking will be through NCB Conferences: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text54663 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.ncb.org.uk/eventsPhone: (enquiries only) 020 7843 6441

•  Five years ago, drama for the under-12s was in the doldrums; now it is bursting with ideas and ambition. Sarah Crompton applauds as the curtain rises on two purpose-built children's theatres, while Giles Worsley admires their daringly grown-up design. The idea that children's theatre matters is not entirely new. For years, groups such as Polka, Alibi, Knee High, and Unicorn in its old home at the Arts, have flown a small flag high. But what is new is the range and the ambition of the work on offer. Read the full article here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/11/30/btkidz30.xml

•  BOOKSTART , the first national books for babies programme has launched two new Bookstart packs of free books and a range of guidance materials. Bookstart+ for toddlers and My Bookstart Treasure Chest for three year olds will become available in authorities across England in October 2005. The Bookstart packs will be distributed via libraries and early years settings. Parents and carers should ask their health visitor or their library for information on when they will be receiving their packs. The Bookstart initiative aims to give a selection of books to every baby in the UK. For more details visit http://www.bookstart.org.uk/index.php4

• PLAYLINK AND THE FREE PLAY NETWORK have created an exhibition called Places for play , to illustrate imaginative play environments. It will show samples, with supporting text, of UK and European quality play areas in shared public spaces, in preschools and schools, and in supervised and unsupervised playgrounds. The exhibition is available from mid-October 2005. For more details visit http://www.freeplaynetwork.org.uk/playlink/exhibition/index.html

• THE NATIONAL FAMILY LEARNING NETWORK NEWSLETTER is available here and is packed full of national, regional and local family learning news. If you are interested in submitting a news item please contact Vicki Maris on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text47250 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The next newsletter will be produced for the spring and it will be included in the high profile National Family Learning Network & BBC Family for our Times conference packs. The deadline for news items for the spring edition is 10 February 2006.

•  A STORY FOR ALL SEASONS is a magical, highly engaging theatre experience for children aged between 3 and 7 that combines puppetry with mesmerising interactive installations to explore the cyclical nature of the seasons. The piece, a beautifully designed production by Tell Tale Hearts children's touring theatre company, has been developed in conjunction with a group of children from a primary school in Leeds and, following the success of its regional tour, is now available for national touring from March 25th to June 8th.

This piece follows the story of the ugly duckling and explores the cyclical nature of the seasons. It involves mesmerising installation, engaging puppets and a creative soundscape that engages and involves children.   'A Story For All Seasons' tours to theatres, schools and rural venues. The new show, 'Beneath the Waves' will be available for touring nationally in Spring 2007. To book either of these two shows, please contact Hayli Clifton or Natasha Holmes on 0113 2433063 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text19063 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information and to see the slideshow, visit http://www.telltalehearts.co.uk/

•  HALF MOON YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATRE in London E1 opens its doors once again for a wonderful selection of the best young people's theatre in the UK . Early Years shows include:

The Singing Storycloth, 21st January, by Obelon Arts for 3+yrs

The King's Got Donkey Ears! 28th January,  by Theatre of Widdershins for 3+yrs

The Dream Tree, 4th February, by Tam Tam Theatre for 3-8yrs

My Friend Snow, 6th-9th February By Chris Elwell for 2-7yrs

The Gardner, 18th February, by AJTC and Nottingham Playhouse Roundabout

For more information on any of the above shows visit http://www.halfmoon.org.uk/, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text68515 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 020 7709 8900

•  FREEHAND THEATRE, BASED IN YORKSHIRE , will be touring its new production for children aged 3 to 7 throughout 2006. Little Red...You Know Who! is designed to be a gentle and special theatre experience for its young audiences, combining the aesthetic qualities of natural wood, the impact of the colour red and the empathetic nature of the central character, a young bear. The music for the production has been specially composed by Hugh Nankivell on a multitude of instruments. Freehand Theatre have recently been taking research and development time to focus on this young age group. The production has already received glowing reports from its initial schools' tour and will be going on national tour in 2006. To find out more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text26506 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01274 585277.

•  CREATABILITY PROJECT is looking for Lead Musician; Lead Dance/Performance Artist; Local Artists; and Photographer for a collaborative, multi-art form project for the under fives in West Sussex. Each position offers a fee of £9,600. Also requires are three assistants to the project who must all be locally based, one visual artist, one musician and one dance/performance artist. Fees for these positions are £3750.

As well as an eight week programme of workshops in nursery settings, the project offers great opportunities for collaborative cross art form working and will lead to the publication of a new book about creative learning for under fives. The project will take place in the summer term 2006 with a research period in March. Interviews will be held in February.

For further information, please contact Clare Halstead, Arts in Education Co-ordinator, West Sussex County Council, Arts Office, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RF. Tel: 01243 756897 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text9828 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit website here

Regional (North West ):

•  MINI NETWORK PROJECT MANAGER is sought for a fixed term contract from 6 th February 2006 until 31 st December 2008 with Cheshire's Rural Touring Network which promotes stimulating and challenging arts work, particularly for 2 - 6 year olds and their carers. The fee is £4,160 per annum (based on 1 day a week). Responsibilities will be to source and design projects in line with the aims and objectives of the ‘Mini Network' Project, nurturing existing network clusters and identifying new ones and inducting them into the network; plan and organise training days, associated with ‘Mini Network' projects, for early years practitioners. This will be done in conjunction with the Cheshire SureStart training team. More details from Claire Smith, Tel: 01244 602835 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .gov.uk . The deadline is 20 th January 2006.

•  MUSICLEADER.NET . Do you make music? Can you communicate your passion? Would you like to work with like-minded people? And get first hand knowledge of what's happening where? Develop Yourself Professionally?

We aim to equip the North West's music leaders with the skills to deliver or manage music projects by providing bespoke training and networking events, as well as signposting towards existing continuing professional development provision.

Registration only takes a couple of minutes for a personal membership or 10 minutes for a full organisational membership (this asks more detailed questions about the your work and you also require a current CRB number to complete).

For more information contact Alistair Flooks, North West Learning Co-ordinator, MusicLeader.net. Tel: 0151 709 2802 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text89910 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their website at http://www.musicleader.net/

•  HORSE AND BAMBOO THEATRE has a few places left on its highly successful courses for 2006. Please more information contact Natasha Kent, Office Manager, Tel: 01706 220241 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text69258 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

1. The Secret Life of Objects - Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th February 2006. This weekend workshop will focus on the ‘building blocks' of various different styles of puppetry, such as focus, grounding and breath. Trainer: Mark Whitaker. Cost Per Person: £115.00.

2. Playing In The Trees - Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th February 2006. Using the recent Horse + Bamboo Theatre production of In the Shadow of Trees as a starting point, this course will explore the way in which sound and music can create a narrative for wordless storytelling. Trainers: Chris Davies & Morag Cross. Cost Per Person: £125.00.

3. The Lempen Method - Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th February 2006.
Lempen Puppet Theatre are one of the most respected puppet companies in the UK . Using their new show, "The am-A-zing Thing" , as a starting block, the Lempen duo will explore with you their process of creating a visual, contemporary and original piece of puppet theatre. Trainers: Lempen Puppet Theatre. Cost Per Person: £125.00.

4. The Show's The Thing - Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th March 2006 . Spend a weekend with DNA creating your own short adult cabaret act, come with an idea and we will bring it to life! We will develop basic techniques, build confidence & ability, play with the imagination and push the boundaries of puppetry. Trainer: Rachel Riggs—DNA. Cost Per Person: £115.00.

5. Masks Inside & Out - Monday 24th July to Friday 28th July 2006. This course will cover two of the elements that make Horse + Bamboo's work so distinctive - the making and the performance of helmet masks. Trainers: Alison Duddle & Victoria Lee. Cost Per Person: £250.00.

6. Rhythm of the Mask - Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August 2006. Through the course of its work Horse + Bamboo has developed a close link between masked performance and music. This is a week-long course in bringing the mask alive and unfolding storytelling through musicality. Trainers: Loz Kaye & Victoria Lee. Cost Per Person: £250.00.

For more details of any of the above courses visit their website here: http://www.horseandbamboo.org/frame1.html

• THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle - As part of Dynamic New Animation's ‘Imaginary Leaps' Three Year Early Years Development Plan in Lancashire and the North West, DNA present a very special interactive story telling with puppets session for Early Years. Eric Carles famous collage techniques and illustrations have been developed into a highly visual piece of theatre with originally composed music, props and puppets, faithful to the original. Children interact with the story told in performance and create their own retelling using sound, shadow, shape, colour and craft.

The session will enable personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; mathematical development; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical development; and creative development.

The framework of the session allows children a chance to explore and experiment, whilst developing stepping stones and early years goals. During the session, adults are also encouraged to share the child's experience, by assisting with crafting but sometimes just to sit back and observe. Contact Rachel Riggs - Artistic Director - Tel - 01772 253 100, Email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text58255 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website - http://www.dynamicnewanimation.co.uk/

•  The next meeting for the NORTH WEST EARLYARTS CHAMPIONS GROUP is on  Wednesday, 1 st March 2006 in Manchester at Arts Council England, North West offices (click here for a map). Membership is open and all are welcome whether artist, educator, sure start worker, policy maker, practitioner, or simply interested.

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Earlyarts e-bulletin is prepared by Ruth Churchill Dower, Director, Isaacs UK on behalf of the North West earlyarts network. For further information, please contact Ruth on 01484 688407.  

 

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