When Kasia, Operations Officer and early years practitioner at Babyzone Croydon, signed up to take part in our Interactive Music-Making (IMM) programme in 2024, she was excited for the challenge ahead – even if she didn’t yet know exactly what that might entail.

Committed to deepening her understanding of child development, the course would also strengthen the quality of Babyzone’s offering for families with 0-5 year olds in and around Croydon.

Working in some of London’s most disadvantaged communities, the Babyzone charity provides free, high-quality early years play and learning for young children and their carers. Their welcoming, weekly drop-in sessions are filled with music, movement, stories and play. Kasia’s Interactive Music-Making training was seen as a way to make these experiences even more impactful for the children and families attending.

As an experienced early years practitioner keen to further her skills, Kasia took every aspect of the course in her stride, from gradually starting to lead her own targeted music sessions, to presenting on her experiences to her peers and soon saw the rewards of her efforts.

Embracing new challenges

In Kasia’s own words:

I’m glad I was able to study the IMM programme.

I have always been eager to learn new skills and gain new knowledge. So, when I got the chance to study the IMM course I took it. I wasn’t even aware of Interactive music making, but I had determination and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

There were moments of challenges. Times my sessions didn’t flow as planned, or when I struggled to engage a child in the way I hoped. But these experiences became lessons. They pushed me to adapt, to experiment with new techniques, and to reflect deeply on my own practice. Growth! Even when the path wasn’t clear.

Finding a voice through music

One of the Babyzone families I worked with taught me that music is an important tool for emotional expression and social connection.

That learning came to life in one particular interaction with a young girl who arrived at Babyzone very quiet and withdrawn. Her parents described her as ‘anxious’, and she often sat on the edge of group activities, watching but rarely joining in.

Kasia gently introduced musical games into the session, using rhythm, repetition, and her warm encouragement to draw the child into shared attention and joyful interaction.

Through musical interactions and positive encouragement, I supported a quiet, anxious child to begin to find her voice. Not through words at first, but through rhythm, laughter, and singing.

In one of my sessions, I turned to her and asked what speed we should sing ‘Incy Wincy Spider at. She whispered, ‘slowly’. This was a great moment as she verbally communicated with me. After the session, her mum pointed out to me that she was able to interact with me through words!

Embedding music into care practice

This experience cemented Kasia’s belief in music as a developmental tool. Since completing her IMM training, she has become a stronger advocate for using music to support emotional regulation, build secure attachments, and strengthen early communication.

Her sessions now regularly include musical warm-ups, action songs, and improvisation with simple instruments and she’s confident in adapting her approach based on the individual needs of the children present.

The confidence and growth that IMM sessions give to children is amazing and well worth it.

Building self-confidence

I’m proud of the progress I’ve made on this course. Much of the confidence and self-belief that I gained through the music course inspired me to further my studies in September 2025.

Personal growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I’ve learned to trust the process, have confidence in myself and to celebrate progress, no matter how small. 

I’m proud of the role I can now play in supporting children’s development within my sessions at Babyzone.

-Kasia

Kasia’s journey illustrates how IMM training can deepen a practitioner’s impact, not only in the moment, but in how they shape their practice for years to come. Through her thoughtful, music-led approach, she continues to foster joy, confidence and connection in the children she supports and ensures that Babyzone is a space where every child can thrive.

Apply now for Interactive Music-Making 2025/26!

If Kasia’s Story has inspired you to develop your own targeted music skills in your early years practice, apply now for Interactive Music-Making 2025/26! Free and subsidised places are available on request and weekly teaching takes place in East London, starting in November 2025.

Apply now!