Music therapy at Downs View Community Special School and the Link College at Varndean
Music therapy has been a valued intervention at Downs View for over ten years. It is mainly provided for the children who have a music therapy requirement as part of their Statement of Special Educational Needs. This may be due to particular diagnosis such as the Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) or Retts Syndrome. It has also been provided for other children who have particular difficulties engaging with and interacting with others.

Some of the children and young people who have ASC and severe learning difficulties attend a music therapy group. These sessions focus on encouraging interaction between the group members, and building awareness of themselves, their peers and their surroundings. It allows expression without words, and an experience of being listened to in a group setting. The group improvisations strengthen the identity of the group, and facilitate a sense of well-being which contributes to increased levels of cooperation. It is also a positive group experience for the school staff who generally work 1:1 with this client group.

‘As a parent I have always valued the music therapist’s work with my son ... I have been amazed at the level of interaction she has encouraged and the sessions are stimulating, engaging and above all great fun’

— Ian Stephenson, parent and teacher at Downs View.

Sessions with children who have Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties allow plenty of time and space for the students to convey their thoughts and feelings non-verbally. The instruments and the setting are highly motivating and the students reach a level of physical activity and interaction that is difficult to achieve in other settings. Small, subtle movements and initiatives are received very positively, and music is built around them to give them context and significance.

‘The students really enjoy music therapy. Tina’s sessions are sensitive and stimulating, helping them work hard to make real achievements’

— Penny Macnamara, teaching assistant.