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First Access is an opportunity for all within your school to receive a musical learning experience. According to the refreshed National Plan for Music Education (NPME 2), schools are expected to take a proactive and structured approach to delivering high-quality music education.

First Access, referred to as Classroom Instrumental Learning (CIL) in the refreshed National Plan for Music Education (NPME 2), is a key initiative designed to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument in a whole-class setting.  Pupils learn together in their usual classroom groups.

It is inclusive and accessible, designed to reach all pupils, regardless of background or prior experience. It is a universal entitlement for pupils, typically in Key Stage 2, to experience instrumental learning as part of their school music curriculum.

In 2025-26, we will continue to subsidise First Access provision for one year group in primary phase schools with options available to suit each school’s needs. We know that better musical progress is achieved when students learn for longer, so our whole year option provides the best value for your school.

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Why it matters

First Access is a foundational step in building musical confidence, creativity, and enjoyment. It aligns with the broader goals of the NPME to make music education inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable. Learning music with peers allows mistakes to be made and accepted, it is inclusive of all abilities and builds bridges to build relationships between your students and beyond the classroom.

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What is the purpose

The NPME 2 outlines a vision to:

  • enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument, and create music together.
  • provide opportunities for pupils to progress their musical interests, including professionally.
  • Enhances the music curriculumand supports delivery of high-quality music education aligned with the National Plan for Music Education.
  • Raises the school’s cultural profile and demonstrates commitment to arts education, which can be highlighted in Ofsted inspections and promotional materials.
  • Fosters inclusivity through providing equal access to instrumental learning for all pupils, regardless of background or ability.
  • Strengthens community links and encourages collaboration with local Music Hubs and arts organisations.
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How long will it last

HMS has lots of First Access options. Each whole class session is 45 minutes in length and we encourage staff to get involved too!  We are proud to be able to subsidise the first access experience.

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What are the benefits to the school

  • Enhances the music curriculumand supports delivery of high-quality music education aligned with the National Plan for Music Education.
  • Raises the school’s cultural profile and demonstrates commitment to arts education, which can be highlighted in Ofsted inspections and promotional materials.
  • Fosters inclusivity through providing equal access to instrumental learning for all pupils, regardless of background or ability.
  • Strengthens community links and encourages collaboration with local Music Hubs and arts organisations.
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What are the benefits to students

  • Learning an instrument in a group setting helps develop self-expression and teamwork. It builds confidence and creativity.
  • Music education is linked to enhanced memory, concentration, and emotional development. It improves cognitive, fine-motor and social skills.
  • Whole-class learning removes barriers to entry and helps pupils discover musical interests. It encourages participation.
  • Pupils can continue with small group tuition, join ensembles, or pursue music qualifications. It creates progression pathways.
  • Access to professional development opportunities learning from a HMS specialist in own classroom with own students.
  • Music can be integrated with science, literacy, numeracy, wellbeing initiatives and offer a multitude of Cross-Curricular Links.
  • Music making boosts morale and school culture and contributes to a joyful and inclusive school environment.
  • No need for upfront investment in instruments or private lessons offering an accessible Entry Point:
  • Performances and concerts offer opportunities for parents to celebrate their child’s achievements and engage in school life:
  • Music making supports wellbeing. Parents often report increased happiness and confidence in children who engage with music. 
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What are the benefits to staff

  • Access to professional development opportunities learning from a HMS specialist in own classroom with own students.
  • Music can be integrated with science, literacy, numeracy, wellbeing initiatives and offer a multitude of Cross-Curricular Links.
  • Music making boosts morale and school culture and contributes to a joyful and inclusive school environment.
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What are the benefits to parents and carers

  • No need for upfront investment in instruments or private lessons offering an accessible Entry Point:
  • Performances and concerts offer opportunities for parents to celebrate their child’s achievements and engage in school life:
  • Music making supports wellbeing. Parents often report increased happiness and confidence in children who engage with music.

Where instruments are needed, class sets are hired to your school for a termly fee. This termly fee covers all delivery and collection costs. As part of the hire, we will replace instruments that need repair, subject to availability.

All offers of First Access projects are subject to staff and instrument availability.

  • One term programme: £415.80* per class, up to 11 sessions.
  • Two term programme: £891* per class, up to 22 sessions.
  • Whole year programme: £1,188* per class, up to 33 sessions.
  • Instrument hire: £54 per term, per set.

*Price includes subsidy - normal price is £594 per class, per term. Requests received after 4 April 2025 will not be eligible for the subsidy. Please discuss the options below with your regional team in the first instance:

Whole class lessons

  • Students learn an instrument together as a whole class
  • Each whole class session will last 45 minutes per class
  • The HMS teacher will work with your school to create at least one performance or presentation opportunity for the students to share their new skills
  • Assistance in monitoring each pupil’s musical progress throughout the year will be offered to the class teacher/s

Small group lessons

  • Limited to one academic term
  • Students learn in groups of 6-8
  • An HMS teacher will deliver 5 sessions per small group
  • As this option is more flexible, students may have the option to choose between 2 or more different instruments
  • If students want to continue lessons, the parent/carer books and pays for lessons directly with HMS.
  • Students eligible for FSM can apply for financial support for lessons

Resource support

  • A good choice if your school has an experienced music teacher on staff
  • A class set of instruments is hired to your school.

Your school can support the First Access programme by:

  • Providing a suitable teaching space
  • Monitoring the safe use and storage of musical instruments
  • Creating performance opportunities
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FAQs

Can I book First Access sessions for additional year groups?

Yes, however these sessions will not be eligible for any subsidy. The fee for additional First Access classes is £594 per term, per class for up to 11 sessions.

Instrument sets can be hired for £54 per term, subject to availability.

I have two classes in each year group, how does this work?

Where a larger school has more than one class per year group, all the classes in your selected year group are eligible for the subsidised fee.

If more than one set of instruments are required, each set will be charged for at £54 per term, per set.

Who can I contact for support in any way, or have any questions?

If you need support in any way, or have any questions please contact a HMS regional music development lead:

Andrea Lee - Andrea.Lee@hertfordshire.gov.uk (Mid and South)

Caz Wolfson - Caz.Wolfson@hertfordshire.gov.uk (NH & Stevenage)

Hattie Jolly - Hattie.Jolly@hertfordshire.gov.uk (EH & Broxbourne)

Katharine Carter - Katharine.Carter@hertfordshire.gov.uk (Mid and South)

Kelly Simpson - Kelly.Simpson@hertfordshire.gov.uk (West)

Lindsay Campbell - Lindsay.Campbell@hertfordshire.gov.uk (Mid and South)

Mark Taylor - Mark.Taylor@hertfordshire.gov.uk (West)

Rachel Haynes - Rachel.Haynes@hertfordshire.gov.uk (EH & Broxbourne)