Understanding and Applying Sensory Profiles in Musical Play

This workshop will be delivered by Rachel Pollard. Rachel is the founder of Sing Play Connect CIC, a Music and Communication Specialist, and an early childhood music researcher with over 20 years of experience. She holds a BA (Hons) in Music and a PGCE from the University of Huddersfield, a distinction for her MA in Early Years Music Education from Birmingham City University, and a PGCert in Music for SEND from Roehampton. She has presented at MERYC UK 2025, BECERA 2025/2026, and will present at EECERA 2026 on parent-mediated practices, sensory profiling, and using music to scaffold language. Her research links music and communication for autistic children, SEND individuals, and adults with dementia. A trained singer and violinist, she focuses on using music for connection and learning. After her children’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, she became passionate about SEND music education, working with families, early years, and care homes to improve speech and social skills through music. As a recently diagnosed autistic educator with ADHD, she advocates for neurodiversity. Currently, she is a director, consultant, and Lead Practitioner at Sing Play Connect CIC and Kiddibops, leading training and workshops. She also works as an early years specialist for ENTRUST and an Adaptive Music Specialist at Shenstone Lodge School.