The Lullaby Project ( now called ‘Sing our Story’) is a musical intervention for preschool children 2-4 years old living in areas of sociology-economic disadvantage. The programme, funded by Youth Music and centred on UK nurseries and Children’s Centres is aimed at children needing particular psycho/social/educational support. Each child and carer is gently interviewed about the things that matter to the child and the collected responses are woven into a bespoke, culturally appropriate song and chorus. The song is shared with child and carer and eventually taught to the chid’s nursery class.

The evaluation sought to examine any benefits to children’s mental, social and educational health five years after involvement in the project. It interviewed the carers and 11 children now aged 9 about their memories of the project and found that all had positive memories and aspects of word for word recall of their lullaby. The lasting affirmation and confidence-building nature of having this personalised song was commonly remarked upon by both adults and children. Children and their carers claimed that learning to cope with transitions, improved communications and enhanced understanding and handling of emotions were the enduring benefits.

Barnes, J. (2019). The Lullaby Project five years on: evaluating the well-being impact and legacy of singing a child’s story. UK: Canterbury Christ Church University.