On Monday 25th June Jonathan Dickson, head of Liverpool Music Education Hub, hosted a focus group exploring SEN/D music provision in Liverpool. The event was led by music therapist Georgina Roberts, and other organisations represented included Jessie’s Fund, Musical Futures, Live Music Now, Brighter Sound, Princes School, Palmerston School and Earnest Cookson School. Drake Music NW delivered a presentation on best practice in accessible music-making within the school environment. Other points that were considered included:
SEN/D progression routes in music
Staff development
The National Plan for Music Education
Gaps in provision
How to tackle the problem of unused equipment
How a hub can track activity to ensure learning can grow
How a hub can make sure activity is directed at a variety of schools
Enhanced provision in mainstream schools
How to communicate good practice
The discussion was lively and heartfelt and it was fascinating to hear about good practice from such a variety of perspectives. It paved the way for a number of new partnerships, and it is now hoped that the group will meet biannually to continue the debate. We hope that other Hubs will follow suit!
