This is the third in a series of books supporting those working in Sure Start centres or parent and carer groups. Practitioners share advice and ideas from their own experiences of running such groups, offering practical and sound ways of building and maintaining successful community group work and avoiding most of the pitfalls.

Many educational and social benefits for children and parents and carers are gained by participation in music and play groups in a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere and it seems that the strength of this book lies in encouraging parents and carers to have the confidence, and develop the necessary skills, to share their enjoyment with children in a friendly environment. The book provides:

• a clear overview of how such groups might run and gives suggestions for equipment, personnel, premises and skills needed;
• good ideas for music sessions - clearly expressed, together with the statement that one need not be musical to participate or indeed organise such groups;
• suggestions for supported play activities, with a chapter set aside to help with evaluating and reporting back;
• a list of helpful contacts and resources.

This easy-to-read, practical publication will be of great help to enthusiastic parents or carers who give their children the enjoyment, structure and social skills which come from participating in a music and play group.

Reviewed in Special! magazine, Summer 2006

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More about the author, Hannah Mortimer

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This book expands the number written by this author that, in the main, deal with increasing partnership with parents, early years education and special needs. Her style is characterised by practicality and innovation that has resulted from direct experience.

This most recent title focuses on a non-threatening process to increase parental engagement and input in Sure Start and other early years settings. It describes the use of music to begin a journey that is intended to empower parents and increase their willingness and confidence to become partners in their children's education.

The use of music provides opportunities to develop early language and listening skills in children as well as building up parent knowledge of how children learn, their differences and similarities. It provides a springboard for relationship development between all stakeholders and identifies the possible pitfalls and benefits.

The book details setting up information, suggests activities that may be useful and informs on evaluation devices.

Altogether a useful and inexpensive resource that could provide the catalyst for many early years groups wanting to increase parental involvement.

Reviewed in SNIP, October 2005

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More about the author, Hannah Mortimer