SEND and SEMH musical enrichment 2026 to 2027

Musical Nurture Projects use the power of music to support children and young people with their learning, confidence and wellbeing. Each project is individually designed, offering flexible and engaging sessions that help pupils develop key skills, express themselves and feel supported.

This page provides an overview of how the projects work, who they are designed for and the benefits they can bring to your setting.

Or browse all the details below

Musical Nurture Projects

Project description

Musical Nurture Projects are flexible programmes designed to support the needs of individual settings and their children and young people.

Projects are suitable for:

• special schools

• mainstream schools and settings

Schools must purchase a minimum of two hours per week. This time is organised into a bespoke timetable, which may include a combination of individual and group sessions depending on the needs of the children and young people involved.

Learning opportunities

Musical Nurture Projects do not follow a fixed curriculum.

Instead, projects are:

• fully tailored to the learning needs and targets of the children and young people

• shaped by the specialist skills of the allocated Inspiring Music tutor

• informed by pupil voice, which plays an essential role in shaping project content

These projects are designed as enrichment opportunities and are not intended to replace or substitute curriculum music lessons.

Progression pathway

Each project timetable includes dedicated reflection time for the Inspiring Music tutor to:

• record achievements

• note targets

• capture observations

This information is shared with:

• SENDCOs

• relevant teaching staff

• support staff

This supports future planning and helps celebrate progress with parents, carers and the wider school community.

Where appropriate, the Sounds of Intent Framework can be used as an assessment tool.

Who are Musical Nurture Projects for?

Musical Nurture Projects support a broad range of learning, social and emotional needs, including (but not limited to):

• pupils with SEND

• pupils with SEMH needs

• looked after children (LAC)

• pupils eligible for pupil premium

• young carers

• pupils with low self-esteem or confidence

• pupils experiencing a particularly difficult period

• pupils transitioning out of music therapy and requiring a transition pathway

Benefits of Musical Nurture Projects

Musical Nurture Projects support:

• increased positive engagement

• dedicated, focused support for children and young people

• development of musical skills

• growth in soft skills, including:

  • teamwork

  • communication

  • problem-solving

  • empathy

  • adaptability

  • leadership

  • active listening

  • resilience

  • creativity

  • critical thinking

• development of gross and fine motor skills

• support for cognition, language development and memory

• opportunities for emotional regulation and self-expression

• increased confidence and self-esteem

Please note: Musical Nurture Projects are not music therapy and should not be used as a replacement for it.

What does a weekly timetable look like?

All Musical Nurture Projects are bespoke, so timetables vary by setting. However, each timetable includes:

• transition time to support pupils to and from sessions

• reflection time for the Inspiring Music tutor

• re-set time to prepare the space, equipment and visuals for the next session

Sessions may include a mixture of:

• individual sessions

• small group sessions

• larger group sessions

To ensure individual needs are met, group sizes do not exceed six pupils per session.

Example timetable (2-hour project)

The example below is indicative only. All projects are tailored to individual school needs.

Total time: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Maximum group size per session: 6 pupils

Session outline

9.30 to 10.00

• group session

• small group (3 pupils) with SEND

• aim: support confidence, social development and cognitive skills

• final session includes a small invited performance

10.00 to 10.15

• transition

• reflection

• re-set

10.15 to 10.45

• group session

• larger group (6 pupils) for looked after children (LAC)

• aim: provide a supportive space for pupils to work alongside others with similar experiences

• final session includes recording their music

• sharing is optional and decided by group members

10.45 to 11.00

• transition

• reflection

• re-set

11.00 to 11.15

• individual (1:1) session

• pupil struggling to access whole-class learning

• sessions initially delivered with the Inspiring Music tutor and 1:1 support staff

• additional pupils may be introduced later to support peer interaction

11.15 to 11.30

• transition

• reflection

• pack-away

Set-up and organisation of Musical Nurture Projects

Schools and settings must:

• book a minimum of 2 hours per week

• commit to 2 or 3 terms (subject to availability)

All projects begin with a structured consultation process to ensure high-quality, individualised support.

Stage 1 – Initial consultation

The SEND Music Coordinator meets with key school staff, which may include:

• SENDCO

• music lead

• senior leadership team

• inclusion lead

The purpose is to understand the needs of the children and young people. An Inspiring Music tutor is allocated based on these needs.

Stage 2 – Planning

The SEND Music Coordinator meets with the allocated tutor to create:

• a bespoke timetable

• a project overview aligned with pupil development goals

Stage 3 – Assessment week

During the first week, the tutor will:

• observe pupils in their usual classroom environment

• observe the spaces intended for sessions

• briefly meet each pupil involved

• liaise with staff working directly with pupils

This allows the tutor to understand starting points and plan for meaningful progress. This process is included within the consultation fee.

Example termly structure (projects booked for 2 or 3 terms)

Pre-delivery consultation

• meeting with Inspiring Music’s SEND Music Coordinator

• ideally takes place in the term before delivery begins

Week 1 – Assessment and review

• tutor observes pupils and meets staff

• bespoke timetable is finalised

For term 2 and term 3:

• tutor observes any new pupils

• timetable is reviewed or adjusted

• delivery may begin immediately if pupils continue with minimal changes

Weeks 2 to 10 – Project delivery

• nine weekly Musical Nurture sessions

• sessions support musical development and individual learning targets

Week 11 – Sharing and review

• final or sharing session celebrating pupil achievements

• tutor provides feedback and a progress summary to school staff

Musical Nurture Project logistics

Inspiring Music will provide

• an experienced project deliverer

• specialist musical instruments, where required

• music technology, where required

The school or setting must provide

• a suitable space for the number of pupils involved

• appropriate staff support to meet pupils’ needs, such as TAs or 1:1 support

Contact and next steps

To discuss how Musical Nurture Projects could support your setting, please contact:

Sarah Robinson
sarah.robinson@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Pricing

Available options

2-hour weekly sessions for 2 terms

• hourly rate: £53.40

• subsidy tier: bronze

• number of sessions: 22

• consultation fee: £186.00

• total cost: £2,535.60

• booking code: MNP2H2T

2-hour weekly sessions for 3 terms

• hourly rate: £53.40

• subsidy tier: bronze

• number of sessions: 33

• consultation fee: £186.00

• total cost: £3,710.40

• booking code: MNP2H3T

3-hour weekly sessions for 2 terms

• hourly rate: £53.40

• subsidy tier: bronze

• number of sessions: 22

• consultation fee: £186.00

• total cost: £3,710.40

• booking code: MNP3H2T

3-hour weekly sessions for 3 terms

• hourly rate: £53.40

• subsidy tier: bronze

• number of sessions: 33

• consultation fee: £186.00

• total cost: £5,472.60

• booking code: MNP3H3T

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