The Merton and London Project
The Lanyado Fund supported the delivery of the Boogie Mites School Ready Music Programme in six primary schools in areas of high deprivation, 5 in Merton and 1 in Islington. The project aimed to develop a scalable, sustainable model for using active music-making to support children’s early development and school readiness, particularly in communication, phonological awareness, self-regulation, early literacy, numeracy and social skills. Funded by the Lanyado Fund, the programme brought Boogie Mites teachers and trainers into pre-school and Reception classes, delivering teacher training, structured onsite music sessions, and parent workshops to encourage family engagement and at-home practice.
The programme focused on practical music activities, supported by professional development for staff and digital resources for sustained use. Findings from staff feedback across the six schools showed increased confidence in using music for learning, improved phonological and listening skills, stronger engagement and behaviour in group activities, and better foundational skills for literacy. Teachers reported that children entered Reception with stronger early phonics skills, reducing later intervention needs.
Phase 2 of the project focused on supporting SEND children, including Additional Resource Provision groups, in Key Stage 1.
Significantly positive outcomes were reported. Phase 2 visits also included further parent involvement. Parents valued the sessions, noting increased capacity to support learning at home. The positive outcomes led to a visit from the Early Years Minister and DfE team at Cranmer School in Merton, March 2025.
Here’s a link to the Boogie Mites blog:
https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/boogie-mites-music-and-movement-with-minister-morgan/
Overall, the project demonstrated positive impacts on early development and provided a model for long-term integration into school practice.
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