Boogie Beat visits nurseries and schools across many different settings, and one thing is consistently clear:
Nursery staff play a crucial role in how successful a Boogie Beat session is for children.
While Boogie Beat leaders bring energy, structure and musical learning into a setting, it is the staff – the familiar, trusted adults – who help that learning truly embed.
Learning from the people who know the children best
In the early stages of working with a new nursery, relationship-building is key. As Boogie Beat leaders, we spend a lot of time observing staff interactions so that we can best support the children in front of us.
Staff help us understand:
- Which children might need extra reassurance
- Who benefits from hearing their name before an instruction
- Who prefers to watch and process before joining in
- Who thrives with movement and who needs a gentler pace
This insight allows Boogie Beat sessions to be inclusive, responsive and child-centred from the very beginning.
Why staff participation during sessions really matters
During a Boogie Beat workshop, it is absolutely appropriate for some staff members to observe, reflect and take notes. These sessions provide rich opportunities for professional learning.
However, what makes the biggest difference is this: Having at least one practitioner actively supporting the group and joining in.
When staff sing, move and engage alongside the children, they model confidence and curiosity. Children take their cues from the adults they trust most, and participation from staff helps children feel safe, encouraged and ready to join in.
“I feel a bit embarrassed” — a very real feeling
It’s important to acknowledge that new or younger staff members may feel awkward about joining in. There can be a worry about looking silly or feeling out of place.
Here’s the honest truth:
You stand out far more as an adult in the room not taking part than you do if you pick up a maraca and give your hips a little shake.
I say this to new practitioners all the time, the easiest way to fit in is to take part.
Once staff do, something powerful happens:
- Confidence grows
- Enjoyment increases
- Participation feels more natural
And crucially — they begin to feel the benefits themselves.
Music, movement and wellbeing for staff too
Music, singing and movement don’t just benefit children. They have a direct impact on adult wellbeing too.
Taking part in Boogie Beat sessions helps release:
- Dopamine — supporting motivation, pleasure and focus
- Serotonin — supporting mood regulation, calm and emotional wellbeing
When practitioners experience that dopamine and serotonin release, they often feel:
- More energised
- Less stressed
- More emotionally available
This supports more empathetic and responsive interactions with children for the rest of the day, making participation a genuine win for staff wellbeing, not just children’s learning.
Navigating changing roles in the room
When a Boogie Beat leader enters a nursery room, the dynamic naturally shifts. Staff remain the constant, trusted adults, but someone new is temporarily leading learning in their space.
Part of the Boogie Beat role is not only to lead sessions for children, but also to support staff in navigating that change, recognising their ongoing importance and helping everyone feel comfortable with the shared leadership in the room.
When learning continues after the session ends
This blog was inspired by a recent visit to Wee Gems Nursery, a setting that has been worked with over several years.
As the session ended and the leader prepared to leave, the children could be heard singing:
“You canny shove your granny aff a bus”
This was a song that had been sung, with actions, over the previous two weeks.
Even more powerful was seeing staff joining in and supporting that play, extending the learning naturally and joyfully.
Boogie Beat as part of nursery life – not a one-off
Boogie Beat sessions are never intended to be standalone experiences. Their real impact comes when they:
- Fit naturally into nursery life
- Extend the early years curriculum
- Support children’s development through play
When staff continue songs, movements and stories after the session, children deepen their understanding and make the learning their own.
A win–win–win for children, staff and settings
When nursery practitioners:
- Share their deep knowledge of children
- Join in and model confidence
- Reinforce learning beyond the session
Everybody benefits.
✔️ Children feel confident, included and engaged
✔️ Staff experience wellbeing boosts through dopamine and serotonin release
✔️ Learning is embedded and extended across the nursery day
That’s why nursery staff don’t just support Boogie Beat –
they are a vital part of its success
Written by Mairi Curle
Owner-Franchisee, Boogie Beat Edinburgh & Midlothian