Music & Enrichment: opportunities for schools this year
The new DfE Enrichment Framework asks for an offer that is accessible, works in partnership, focuses on outcomes and keeps improving. Music sits within its arts and culture category, and through Octagon Music Hub and our partners, schools across Dorset and Somerset can get practical, funded support to make it happen
SEND, INCLUSION, NON-MUSIC SPECIALISTS
Autism-informed music practice: an introduction for school staff
A practical introduction to using music with autistic pupils, designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SEND and inclusion teams, and wider school staff across Dorset and Somerset. No musical experience is needed.
Led by Live Music Now, the session introduces its research-informed Musical Connections approach. You’ll explore autism and music, the Musical Connections Values and Session Arc, and practical ways to build meaningful music-making around pupils’ strengths, interests and individual ways of participating.
Places are limited to 20, so early booking is recommended. Tuesday 1 December, 4:00–5:30pm | Online | Free
SEND, INCLUSION, NON-MUSIC, WELLBEING
Inclusive music isn’t only for music teachers
Music in Citizenship (Level 1) training for Teaching Assistants, ELSA’s and other support practitioners. Music-based approaches to improving children and young people’s wellbeing, confidence, emotional regulation and communication. An evidence-based model delivered by Leeds Beckett University.
You don’t need to play an instrument to use music with the children you support. Music in Citizenship includes:
✅ a two-hour practical session
✅ online follow-up coaching
✅ activities and resources to use straight away
✅ help with staff release where needed
Early booking is recommended.
22nd – 23rd April | Free
SEND, INCLUSION, MUSIC LEADS & LEADERS
Autism-informed music practice: for music educators and practitioners
A practical introduction to autism-informed music practice for music and creative arts leads, instrumental and vocal teachers, and music practitioners working in or alongside Dorset and Somerset schools.
Live Music Now’s Musical Connections approach brings together autistic lived experience, academic research and inclusive music practice. The session explores the research, Values and Session Arc, alongside practical examples of building music-making around pupils’ strengths, interests and individual ways of participating.
Places are limited to 20, so early booking is recommended.
Wednesday 2 December, 4:00–5:30pm | Online | Free
SCHOOL ENSEMBLE START-UPS
Somerset Music: Ensemble Starter Package
Want to get more pupils making music together? Somerset Music’s Ensemble Starter Package helps primary schools launch a percussion, djembe, recorder, samba or ukulele ensemble. It begins with a practical session with pupils and is followed by staff training, resources to keep it going, and an end-of-term review. It’s included in Somerset Music’s 2026–27 primary membership, and 60 schools have already signed up.
SCHOOL ENSEMBLE START-UPS
Dorset Music Service: Elastic Bands
Elastic Bands are a welcoming new ensemble for beginner musicians in Key Stage 2. Pupils who can play at least five notes on any instrument explore sounds, create their own music and learn simple notation, each with a part matched to their ability. Bands cost £30 a term (eight weeks), with financial support available for Pupil Premium and FSM pupils. The first band starts in Blandford after October half term, with more from January.
How can Octagon Music Hub help?
Octagon Music Hub supports schools and settings across Dorset and Somerset with curriculum music, instruments and equipment, CPD, SEND and inclusion, live music, ensembles, progression opportunities and partnerships with music organisations. During 2026–27, funded opportunities include support for non-specialist staff, inclusive music-making, access to instruments and adapted instruments, Live Music Now activity and opportunities to learn from our network of Lead Schools. For some activity we can also help with practical barriers such as teacher release and travel costs, if this is barrier – get in touch.
Start with Just One Thing
We don’t want to begin by assuming we know what every school needs. Instead, we’re asking schools across Dorset and Somerset one simple question: What’s the one thing that would make the biggest difference to music and enrichment in your school? It takes around 30 seconds to tell us. Your responses will help us shape the support, training and opportunities we bring to schools over the coming year.