A new music nurture group programme will be delivered as part of the Changing Tracks national programme run by Hertfordshire Music Service and funded by national charity Youth Music.
A music nurture group is a weekly 30-minute creative instrumental music session for between three and five young people in a primary school. Pupils are selected by the SENCO (special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator) as being vulnerable and at risk of poor outcomes because of mental health, behaviour or general confidence difficulties. The aim is to provide a calm and nurturing environment where children can build their resilience and agency and develop a sense of belonging.
The music nurture group model was pioneered in Hertfordshire as an action research programme to reduce school exclusions.
The new initiative aims to help other hub lead organisations to grow their understanding of and skills in inclusive music work, and to support music tutors in developing new skills for working with children facing barriers to music and learning.
The projects will run for six months in one primary school per area.
