Learning Resources

In 2019, EFDSS launched Inclusive Folk; a new seven-month pilot project developed to increase access to folk arts opportunities for disabled young people, their friends, family and carers.  The project included Folk Unlimited, fortnightly Sunday afternoon sessions at Cecil Sharp House for young people special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/D).

This resource has been written by Emmie Ward and is particularly suitable for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/D) – including those with learning disabilities and complex needs. It is based on repertoire used during Folk Unlimited to celebrate May, with audio, notation and notes, using a number of creative elements and communication strategies developed during the project to enable all participants to contribute fully.   

In the United Kingdom, as in most of Western Europe, the first of May, or May Day, marked the end of the harsh winter months and welcomed the beginning of spring.  Using May as a theme for workshops offers many opportunities for dance, songs and tunes, and to explore the heritage of our May Day traditions. 

This project, led by Emmie Ward, with Joe Danks and trainee Freda D’Souza, was made possible with the generous support of the People’s Postcode Lottery, a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.