In an exciting partnership with Music as Therapy International, a 5-week training was delivered in November 2015 to teachers and parents who support children with neurodevelopmental disabilities…

Music therapists Alastair Robertson (from the UK) and Somesh Purey (from India) teamed up to run a course for staff that parents at the ARMS Research Centre and for staff at the Patashala School, located in a poor migrant town on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The training was the first of its kind in the area.

The aims were: 1. To give teachers new skills and ideas which they can use within the classroom on a daily basis to help with social skills, confidence, attention, self-expression and self-esteem.

2. To identify children who would benefit more from music as therapy and design programmes to fit their needs..

3. To facilitate a strong relationship between the ARMS Centre and Patashala School to ensure the best ongoing support for the children

The training was delivered using a number of training methods which were mostly practical. The teachers observed how the music therapists worked, they took part in regular practical workshops and they reflected on their work by watching video footage of sessions.

As time went on the teachers felt able to get more involved in the sessions until eventually they were able to take a lead and run the sessions without the trainers.

The trainers were very happy with the outcome of the programme and reported that “the overall the response to the training for the teachers at both schools was brilliant. They were really enthusiastic, open to learning and keen to implement their new skills.” A mechanism has been set up for staff in both schools to support each other in this work, a 6-month review will be carried out by Music As Therapy and Alastair and Somesh plan to return again next year.  For more information, please contact info@maits.org.uk