New Evaluation Highlights the Impact of Early Years Music for d/Deaf Preschoolers
Evolve Music has published a new independent evaluation of Sound Explorers, its early years music and workforce development programme delivered across Plymouth and Devon during 2024–25.
The evaluation highlights the significant impact of inclusive, attunement-led musical play on young children’s confidence, communication and wellbeing, alongside clear benefits for families and early years professionals.
Across the programme, 205 children benefited from early years music sessions, with 60 sessions delivered, 45 early years carers and educators trained, 8 health and inclusion professionals engaged, and 9 families of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing preschoolers supported through the Adventurers strand .
Key findings show that children demonstrated increased confidence, social interaction, communication and emotional regulation. Educators and childminders reported greater confidence using music in everyday practice, with 100% of childminders saying they now use music more frequently and in new ways. Families described reduced isolation, stronger relationships and greater confidence supporting musical play at home.
The report also documents the impact of a Evol bringing together music leaders, early years practitioners, Qualified Teachers of the Deaf and NHS audiology professionals. This collaborative approach supported consistent advice, improved listening comfort for deaf children and stronger pathways between education, health and family support.
The evaluation was led by Sarah Hercod, Area SENDCo for the Early Years South West Stronger Practice Hub and a deaf Qualified Teacher of the Deaf, whose expertise and lived experience brought both rigour and insight to the findings.
The report concludes that Sound Explorers offers a scalable, evidence-informed model for early intervention, workforce development and inclusive practice, particularly at a time of rising SEND need and workforce pressure.
Evolve Music hopes the findings will inform future commissioning, partnership working and investment in early years creative practice.