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In our school newsletters we will be hearing from different freelancers and
teachers to find out a little bit more about them and their experiences with
ENO Engage.
SEND Specialist Emily Stratford spoke to us about her experience working with
the English National Opera, both as a SEND music teacher of 14 years, and as a
freelance consultant for ENO Engage.
SEND Specialist Emily Stratford
**Hi Emily! Could you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to
the work of ENO Engage?**
It’s been incredible to build a relationship with the ENO firstly as a teacher
and most recently as a freelance consultant.
I worked as a SEND music teacher for 14 years and had the pleasure of bringing
many school groups to relaxed performances and Coliseum tours. I currently
work as a full time consultant and have partnered with the ENO to write the
SEND version of [_Finish this…_](https://www.eno.org/discover-
opera/learning/finish-this/) and support adapting the school tours at the
Coliseum to support SEND groups.
**Can you tell us a bit about your experience bringing pupils to the ENO’s
London Coliseum?**
I first did a school visit to a relaxed performance about 5 years ago and
tried to bring groups at least every year after that. The young people were
able to experience an Opera in a way that supported their needs and allowed
them to have breaks if needed.
Many students would travel back from the Coliseum singing on the tube. They
loved it! We saw many productions such as the _Barber of Seville_ , _A
Midsummer Night’s dream_ and _Satyagraha_.
## The Barber of Seville
[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/CD5FnjEW6os?feature=oembed)
Video
**What impact do opportunities like this have on your pupils?**
It allows young people to access an iconic, culturally important space in a
way that feels welcoming and supports their needs. It exposes them to a genre
that they would be otherwise unfamiliar with.
The music and drama of Opera really connects with young people with additional
needs. The costumes, staging, live orchestra and passionate performances
support and develop engagement from the students that I have brought over the
years.
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.
**What impact do opportunities like this have on the school and wider school
community?**
I think coming to places like the Coliseum in such a welcoming way encourages
young people with additional needs that they are welcome and have the right to
access arts and culture.
**How would you describe ENO’s approach to working with, and for, SEND
schools?
**Inclusive; open to learn and adapt; and creating magical, memorable
experiences. **
**
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.
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**Has anything surprised you from your experience working with ENO?**
The ENO has been one of the first organisations to want to talk to the school
and with specialists before delivering a program to make sure it’s as
meaningful as possible. Often companies have programs, but aren’t willing to
understand the learners who will be taking part and it will always have less
impact. The ENO has shown an initiative to get to know the specific learners
they will be working with and develop and adapt their programs to suit them.
###
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**What’s the best thing about being a SEND music specialist?**
Using music as a supportive tool to help a child develop holistically. I’ve
seen music support the development of communication, emotional regulation and
confidence. I love being able to facilitate that magic!
###
.
**Favourite opera?**
_[The Magic Flute](https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/operas/an-introduction-
to-the-magic-flute/)_ by [Mozart](https://www.eno.org/discover-
opera/beginners-guide-mozart/)
## Queen of the Night
[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/jvtGRfI9Eok?feature=oembed)
Video
Related Content: Related ContentFinish This… Booking PageLearn more about our Finish This project.Issue 2: Introducing Sarah LewisMeet a creative learning consultant and teacher, Sarah, who co-created Finish This for Primary schools.Coffee-break interview: Dafydd WilliamsHear about one school Music Coordinator’s experience of Finish This.Coffee-break interview: Helen WilesFind out more about our special casting opportunity for students, with music specialist Helen Wiles.