SEND, SEMH and PRU
Nottingham Music Service works with SEND schools as well as SEMH and PRU schools. Bespoke to suit the needs of pupils, NMS offers instrumental tuition that can be delivered as whole/half class or individuals/small groups by NMS staff. We also work with partner organisations who specialise teaching in these settings to suit the needs and abilities of the students across all key stages.
For professional development opportunities with NMS, please see our CPD Resources page.
I've seen a couple of the sharing' sessions that Claire [Music Hub Team Lead] and the Oak Field classes have put together. They are a delight to see, and even more so to hear (even on the wind down the corridor!). I think you'd be very proud of the Music Hub's work in Oak Field. Thank you for this work with us, we are looking forward to more!
”Oak Field School Deputy Head
SEND Schools:
Pupils will be able to learn music through a variety of band, orchestral, percussion instruments, and music technology. Lessons are pupil-focussed and staff adhere to the social model of disability. Inclusion is paramount to our work. Students are encouraged to make their own musical choices and decisions when appropriate and work together as a team. Our specialist staff will liaise with the school to incorporate pupils’ individual learning targets within lessons, ensuring the sessions benefit the whole and not just musical self.
SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Difficulties) / PRU (Pupil Referral Unit)
Pupils will be able to learn music through a variety of instruments including keyboard, drums, guitar/bass, and incorporating music technology. They are encouraged to make their own musical choices and decisions when appropriate, get creative, work together as a team when possible, and learn to respect the tastes of others. Our specialist staff will liaise with the school to incorporate pupils’ individual learning targets within lessons, ensuring the sessions benefit the whole and not just musical self.The positive impact on the young people involved is profound. Many have gone on to take their BTEC Music, and some have continued their musical journey by studying music at college.
Offers with Partners
Education & Bass
An exciting new partnership dedicated to enhancing educational experiences through the innovative use of music technology. The offer is comprehensive and can be arranged bespoke to suit your needs and price point. They range from short workshops to year-long learning, from online resources to in-person teaching. Your staff can receive CPD to deliver in confidence themselves, and your students could work towards a Music Production Rockschool accreditation. Please contact us for more information.
Open Orchestras
Open Orchestras is an award-winning programme set up to address the lack of musical ensemble provision in special schools. It has been carefully developed through participatory design with young disabled musicians, teachers and music leaders. Pupils build skills gradually across the year through individual lessons to whole group work. All key stages and abilities welcome, including PMLD students. By signing up to Open Orchestras, you will receive a music lead from Nottingham Music Service, who will work closely with your class teacher to deliver the lessons. CPD is provided for school staff. Please visit the Open Orchestras website for more information and get in touch with us if you are interested in having your own orchestra!
All of the students look forward to Open Orchestra every week! Since we began in September, it has been a joy to see how everyone has developed their musical skills and confidence. The sessions not only promote a love of music but also contribute towards communication skills with peers learning to play music together as a group. It has been so valuable in helping us all to feel part of something big, something special!
”Oak Field School Teacher
Noise Academy
Nottingham Music Service has partnered with Noise Academy to offer a new, exciting aspect to music lessons through DJ skills while teaching the underpinning concepts of musical elements, context and language. By participating in the weekly sessions, students will learn how to DJ, produce their own music, play in front of their peers and showcase their music online whilst gaining accreditations. You can sign up to this for one half term, a term or annually
I have now been teaching for 34 years and there have been very few occasions when I have felt emotionally moved by an experience during a working day. Yesterday presented me with a personal first, where I found myself moved to tears by the experience in the hall when all of my pupils and many of my staff contributed to the playing of 'In the Hall of the Mountain King'. It was without a doubt one of the most remarkable things that I have ever been witness to in a long, and occasionally colourful, teaching career. We sometimes find ourselves in circumstances that we know will remain with us probably for a lifetime and for me yesterday was one of those events. I cannot thank you enough for the effort and energy that you put into all of your work with our children. The outcome to that event is testimony to the excellent practice that you bring every day and rest assured I will endeavour to bore all of my friends over the Christmas holiday with my recount of the day.
”An EBD school head, after a Christmas concert
