Early Years Resource Shortlisted for MDE Award
13th October 2026
We’re delighted to announce that A Common Approach: Early Years has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Music Education Resource category at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2027.
The Music & Drama Education Awards 2027 celebrate the contribution made by practitioners, schools, charities and other organisations to the lives of children, young people and adults across the UK. Bringing together the performing arts and education sectors, the Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the people, organisations and resources supporting learning and engagement in music and drama. Winners are selected by a judging panel drawn from across music and drama education.
For Music Mark, the shortlisting is particularly exciting as it recognises A Common Approach: Early Years just six months after the free online resource launched in April 2026. Designed to support music educators working with children in nursery and reception, it forms part of Music Mark’s wider A Common Approach, which supports educators in their teaching practice and encourages a holistic approach to music education.
We know that musical learning begins long before children reach statutory school age. As music services and organisations develop their Early Years provision, music teachers who are confident and experienced in other settings may find themselves working with younger children for the first time. A Common Approach: Early Years was created to help bridge that gap, supporting music educators to develop their understanding and confidence when working with children aged three to five.
Supporting music-making from the earliest years
Rather than setting formal learning objectives, A Common Approach:Early Years uses learning descriptors to help teachers recognise and respond to how young children naturally explore, create and communicate through music. It brings together six areas of musical learning and six principles of Early Years practice, supported by practical ideas for adult-led sessions and collaboration with nursery and school staff. It also encourages music-making throughout the week, extending learning beyond visits from a music teacher.
”Being shortlisted for this award is a proud moment for everyone involved. I’m hugely grateful to the incredible early years music educators who contributed their expertise and helped shape this resource. It was a privilege for me to steer its development, building on the established framework of A Common Approach to help music teachers extend their skills and confidence into early years education.”
Catherine Brentnall, Editor and Coordinator of A Common Approach: Early Years
The shortlisting is also an opportunity to celebrate everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience to the development of the resource, and the music educators who are already using it to support children’s musical learning from the very beginning.
Learn more about the Music and Drama Education Awards and view the shortlist.
