Projects
On this page, you can learn more about the variety of projects available for your school. This includes:
First Access Projects
In The Power of Music to Change Lives (p. 29), the Department for Education states: “We would expect schools to pay Music Hubs for [the provision of Whole Class projects] and also for Hubs to set charges that demonstrate value.”
NMPAT will allocate £290,000 of its core government funding to whole-class projects, subject to continued funding. This grant has remained largely unchanged since 2012, despite a 20% rise in KS2 pupils, potentially reducing residual funding for other NMPAT services. Schools that ran projects in multiple-year groups in 2024-25 may skip this year and use their allocation for other NMPAT services.
They may also run their own whole class instrumental programs, using their grant allocation for other NMPAT services, provided they offer a term-long, year-group-wide experience with an approved scheme of work and accept an NMPAT visit.
Schools should submit requests for First Access projects using the SLA form, which NMPAT will send in early summer. You will receive a letter confirming funding allocation. Schools can apply any remaining grant funds as a discount for continuation projects and additional NMPAT services.
Project options
All projects are delivered to a whole class (maximum 30) for a period of 10 weeks, usually culminating in a celebration concert. There are three options for delivery:
What comes next?
Accessibility
NMPAT is working with OHMI to provide adaptive instruments for children with additional needs, to allow every child to participate in First Access projects. Resources will be provided at no cost to schools, helping to remove barriers to music-making for all. Following submission of your online SLA, you will receive a questionnaire about the children in the year group/class due to receive the project, for resources (which may include adapted instruments) to be provided where necessary.
Let’s Get Playing
NMPAT is pleased to be able to deliver instrumental projects for Early Years and KS1 children.
Let’s Get Playing projects are made up of weekly sessions (minimum of 45 minutes delivery) with an NMPAT EYFS/KS1 specialist and use fun and games, exploring the elements of music with percussion instruments. With the Model Music Curriculum in mind, non-specialist class teachers work alongside the NMPAT teacher, developing practical skills and knowledge that will support their continuing delivery of music. For Reception class projects, reference will be made to the Early Years Framework and Musical Development Matters.
Projects are available as a whole class project, supported by the class teacher, over 5 or 10 weeks.
£285 per 5-week project
Music for Wellbeing
NMPAT is able to provide a 5 week project (minimum 45 minutes delivery each week) designed to support pupils’ mental and emotional wellbeing. As all learning is emotional state-dependent, we propose a musical curriculum which supports the NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
The project is specifically designed for KS1 and KS2 children and can be delivered to a whole class or a smaller group of children, identified as struggling emotionally or socially.
If you’re interested in a Music for Wellbeing project, you can request this on the SLA form that NMPAT will provide to your school in April 2025.
£285 per 5-week project