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Back to topIntroduction
This ED&I strategy is framed by the Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS) Purpose, Beliefs, Ethos, Vision, and Ambitions as laid out in our About Hertfordshire Music Service (hertsmusicservice.org.uk)
Hertfordshire Music Service, as part of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is the lead partner for the Hertfordshire Music Education Hub which is supported by funding from the Department for Education which comes to us via Arts Council England. Hertfordshire Music Education Hub acts as a gateway to create music education provision that works in a local context, both in and out of school.
Back to topInclusion is...
Musically inclusive practice involves making sure young people's music is HEARD.
Embedding inclusive ways of working throughout music education, ensures every child and young person can find their own musical voice.
Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England (AMIE) | Youth Music Network
SEND Soundabout Inclusive choir
We are excited about our first Hertfordshire Music Service Inclusive choir (Soundabout associate member choir) starting 5 January 2024.
An inclusive choir in association with the music charity Soundabout; a choir for young people with a focus on giving a voice to those with SEND and complex needs.
Sessions are twice a month, alternating between one online session and one hybrid session (in person or online), for secondary age plus of any ability.
Download flyer
Future talent and HMS collaboration
The charity, Future Talent provide financial awards and music workshops for talented students from lower income families. It is a wonderful opportunity to not only gain financial assistance but also to be part of their development programme, providing opportunity to learn from high level professional musicians.
The application window is now open. Please download to see details.
Hertfordshire Music Application flyer
Back to top
Our commitment
We are committed to embedding fully inclusive music practice as highlighted in the National Plan for Music Education (2022): The Power of Music to change lives: a national plan for music education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Hertfordshire Music Service is committed to promoting Diversity and Inclusion across all services and procedures making it reflective and supportive of the diverse needs of the HMS workforce, young people, and families, aligning to the Equality Act 2010
In practice this means working to ensure an inclusive musical experience free from discrimination in all forms, but also doing what we can to positively promote diverse and inclusive services and having a representative and culturally aware workforce. We are committed to ensuring we demonstrate equality and diversity in everything we do; making our services accessible for everyone, and ensuring our policies and practices are anti-discriminatory and inclusive.
As part of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), HMS is committed to making inclusion part of our DNA, achieving diversity and equality of inclusive opportunity both as an employer of people and as a provider of music services. You can read the HCC Diversity and Inclusion policy here.
Back to topShared and aspirational Purpose, Beliefs, Ethos, Vision, Ambitions and Behaviours
Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely daydreaming, but vision with action can change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Equitable access to good quality music education is essential, no matter where a child or young person lives in England and regardless of their personal circumstances.
Back to topOur Purpose
Hertfordshire Music service exists to improve the lives and life chances of children and young people by offering outstanding musical opportunities and access to the educational, social and well-being benefits this affords.
You can read about Our Beliefs, Vision, Ethos, Ambitions and Our Behaviours on our About Us page.
Back to topFive Strategy Areas
Back to topOur mission
To enable all young people in Hertfordshire to discover or develop their own unique musical voice and express themselves through the language of music. We do this through being an inclusive music service, working in partnership with schools and partners, recognising and celebrating our differences, providing equitable opportunity and creating an inclusive environment for staff and students to participate in music.
We embed and monitor equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, including:
Leadership
HMS is aiming to reflect the diversity of Hertfordshire within its’ leadership, policies, partnerships and recruitment. We are ensuring the voice of young people influences everything we do, and young people have an opportunity to meaningfully participate in decision making.
Workforce
We are working with our staff and partners to develop their skills in inclusive music teaching.
HMS is developing an increasingly diverse workforce and influencing the development of best practice equality, diversity and inclusion within local and national musical communities
Diversity of music delivery
HMS is delivering a more diverse range of musical styles and traditions that meet the needs of our students and musical communities. We are also influencing the range of musical traditions offered in music education settings both locally and nationally through the continued delivery of the ground-breaking Creative Music Nurture Groups for example. HMS is developing further musical opportunities for children with SEND or complex needs including those with SEND in mainstream schools and children in care or alternative provision.
Equity
HMS is promoting a better understanding of the barriers to accessing musical opportunities and influencing the development of solutions locally and nationally. We are also providing accessible musical instruments to those that need them so anyone can discover their musical voice.
Learning pathways
By offering inclusive learning pathways, HMS aims to enable ALL students to pursue their interests and achieve their potential, including accessing social music making and the opportunity to progress professionally.
Back to topOutstanding team of the year 2022
Hertfordshire music service won HCC Children’s Services Outstanding Team of the year Award 2022.
The Outstanding Team of the Year Award recognises
“A team which consistently initiates and leads actions to remove barriers, improve engagement by those they work with, are inclusive and demonstrate their excellence in delivery of services. They are resilient, passionate, and are exceptionally dedicated to their work”