SEND Settings

The Octagon Music Hub supports children and young people in SEND settings across Dorset and Somerset through a range of inclusive, specialist and school-based music activity.

We fund music provision in SEND schools and bases, including school-based ensembles and group music-making that are designed to be flexible, accessible and responsive to individual needs. These sessions support communication, confidence, social interaction and wellbeing, as well as musical development.

Alongside this, we work with specialist partners to deliver targeted projects for pupils with additional needs, including programmes for autistic learners and children with complex needs. This ensures that young people can take part in meaningful music-making in ways that suit how they learn and communicate.

We also support SEND provision through training and professional development for teachers and music practitioners, helping staff build skills in inclusive practice and accessible music delivery. This helps schools create sustainable, high-quality music opportunities for SEND learners.

SEND provision in mainstream schools

OMH funded support for SEND learners within mainstream settings:

Open Up Orchestras – SEN School-Based Ensemble Inclusive ensemble provision delivered in mainstream schools for pupils with SEND.

Dorset Music – Inclusion Hubs (SEN settings & SEN in mainstream) Support and training for inclusive music delivery across SEN and mainstream settings.

Dorset Music – Children in Challenging Circumstances: Music Nurture Groups Group-based music provision supporting vulnerable learners, including those with SEND.

SEND provision in SEND schools & specialist settings

OMH funded programmes delivered directly in SEND schools or specialist settings:

ASD Base Project from Live Music Now: targeted music provision for pupils in autism bases within mainstream schools.

Count Me In from Live Music Now: An inclusive ensemble project designed to support children and young people who face barriers to participation, including pupils with additional needs and SEND.

Professional Musicians in Schools from Live Music Now: While not SEND-specific, this programme includes inclusive approaches and reaches mixed-ability groups, including pupils with additional needs in mainstream settings.

Open Up Orchestras – SEN School-Based Ensemble Specialist ensemble provision delivered within SEND school contexts.

Dorset Music – Dorset Accessible Music Library Management A resource library providing accessible instruments and equipment for SEND learners.

Somerset Music – Resource Singing CPD for SEND Training and resources to support singing with SEND learners

Specialist and targeted provision

Alongside the music services, Octagon Music Hub works with a range of specialist partners to support schools where additional or targeted provision is needed.

This includes work with Live Music Now, particularly in special schools and settings supporting children and young people with additional needs, and Actiontrack, who deliver music-based provision in alternative provision and with children and young people facing barriers to engagement.

These partnerships enable tailored, inclusive approaches that complement the core music service offer and respond to specific needs within schools.