SEND pupils to benefit from new music pilot

Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will get targeted support to unlock their musical potential, thanks to a new scheme designed to break down the barriers to opportunity and advance their talents. 

The government’s Music Opportunities Pilot will expand on Young Sounds UK’s existing programme – Young Sounds Connect – which offers pupils across primary and secondary schools the opportunity to learn to play an instrument of their choice or how to sing to a high standard by providing free lessons and supporting young people to progress, including taking music exams.

Backed by £5.8 million of funding, co-funded by the government and partners including Young Sounds UK, Arts Council England and Youth Music, the programme aims to inspire the next generation of British musicians across twelve areas including Sunderland, Bury, Bradford and Stoke on Trent to help ensure the arts remain a cornerstone of the nation’s identity. 

Hester Cockcroft, chief executive of Young Sounds UK said: “Young Sounds Connect is designed to help young people from low-income families lead their own musical learning after whole-class lessons end, connecting them to funding, opportunities and each other, so they can keep on progressing as musicians. 15 years since it was first piloted, we’re delighted to be able to supercharge the programme model over the next four years through the Music Opportunities Pilot.

“Collaborating with parents/carers, music educators, and an amazing group of Music Hubs and national partners, we’ll continue to learn together, and share our learning, so that many more young people’s musical lives can flourish in the future.”

Young Sounds UK will work in collaboration with local Music Hub partners that support and enable access to music education for children and young people in England in order to deliver the programme.

The Department for Education (DfE) said that culture is an essential part of supporting children and young people to develop creativity and find their voice. They added there is huge potential for growth in the creative industries that benefit every corner of the UK, and the industries are worth £125 billion in economic value to the UK, employing 2.4 million people in 2022.

Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Music should never be the preserve of a privileged few. I want everyone to have a chance to realise their talent regardless of their background. 

“This support will help to make sure that every child has access to high-quality creative education, with the opportunity to learn musical skills that may become the foundation of a lifelong passion or a future star of the UK arts scene.”

The pilot scheme will run over four years and is jointly funded by a £2 million investment from the DfE and £3.85 million funding from Young Sounds UK and its partners.