Early intervention that strengthens OAP and prevents escalation
School impact at a glance
- Improves regulation, communication and engagement.
- Reduces pressure on pastoral and SEN systems.
- Supports pupils at risk of absence or exclusion.
Overview
Hertfordshire Music Service is a national leader in inclusive and therapeutic music‑making. Our specialists support pupils with SEND, SEMH, SLCN, neurodivergence, anxiety, trauma‑related needs and other barriers to engagement.
Provision is suitable for:
- Mainstream schools.
- PRUs and SEND units.
- Alternative provision.
- Special schools.
All programmes are delivered by highly trained HMS practitioners skilled in inclusive practice, nurture approaches and social–emotional development.
What we offer
Back to topCreative Music Nurture Groups
Small‑group sessions (up to six pupils) using creative music‑making to support SEMH, SEND and neurodivergent learners in a nurturing, low‑arousal environment. The session provides a calm, pupil‑led space where music is used to support emotional expression, communication, resilience and readiness to learn.
What we offer
- Weekly sessions with specialist practitioners
- Music‑making using percussion, voice, improvisation
- Strategy‑sharing with staff
- Liaison with SENCOs and families
- Feedback to support pupil profiles and reviews
What your school provides
- Calm, consistent teaching space
- SENCO identification of pupils
- Staff presence where appropriate
- Family communication support
Session structure
- Weekly sessions (30–45 mins contact time).
- 11 sessions per term (incl. liaison/preparation).
Information:
Costs for 2026/27
- 30min sessions: £467.83 per term
- 45min sessions: £623.70 per term
Foundation skills strengthened
- Emotional regulation.
- Working memory and sequencing.
- Attention and impulse control.
- Communication and interaction.
- Confidence, motivation and self‑identity.
Why this is cost-effective
- Prevents escalation towards exclusion/alternative provision.
- Reduces disruption by strengthening self‑regulation.
- Supports SENCO priorities through targeted small‑group work.
- Shares strategies staff can embed in classrooms.
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One-to-One Music-based mentoring
Individualised sessions tailored to each pupil's social, emotional and cognitive needs.
Supports pupils experiencing anxiety, behaviour challenges, disengagement or emerging SEMH needs through relationship‑focused musical interaction.
What we offer
- 1:1 sessions with specialist mentors.
- Creative, interest‑led musical tasks.
- Ongoing progress feedback.
- Liaison with SENCO/pastoral teams and families.
What your school provides
- Quiet teaching space.
- SENCO nomination.
- Timetabling support.
- Basic musical resources where available.
Session structure
- 30–45 minute sessions
- Flexible weekly, termly or bespoke packages
Information:
Costs for 2026/27
- £54.04 per hour per teacher
Foundation skills strengthened
- Emotional regulation and expression.
- Inhibitory control.
- Attention, persistence and engagement.
- Planning and organisation.
- Confidence and belonging.
Why this is cost-effective
- Provides early intervention for vulnerable pupils.
- Reduces risk of persistent absence or exclusion.
- Supports regulation and readiness to learn.
- Reduces long‑term reliance on external services.
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Sound Sensations (SEND Music Programme)
A year‑long programme using Clarion, Theramini and Roland digital instruments, aligned with Sounds of Intent, for small SEND classes. Supports pupils with SEND through accessible music technology and the Sounds of Intent musical development framework.
What we offer
- Year‑long musical development profiles.
- Opportunities for Trinity Musical Development Awards.
- End‑of‑year multi‑school celebration.
What your school provides
- Instruments/devices where possible.
- Suitable teaching space.
- Staff continuity.
- Support with timetabling/pupil profiles.
Session structure
- 2 sessions per half‑term
- 90 minutes per session
- Groups of up to 10 pupils for 45mins per group
- Full academic year programme
Information:
Costs for 2026/27
- £1,107.82 per year
- Instrument hire: £192.00 per class set
Foundation skills strengthened
- Sensory regulation.
- Communication and expression.
- Executive functioning.
- Confidence and musical identity.
- Reduced anxiety and improved wellbeing.
Why this is cost-effective
- Replaces multiple external specialist interventions.
- Builds a sustainable, technology‑enabled music offer.
- Provides curriculum links and staff development.
- Supports SEND priorities beyond music.
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Inclusive Choir (Soundabout Associate)
An inclusive, accessible choir for pupils in Years 5–6, secondary‑aged students and young people up to age 25. Creates a joyful, accessible musical community for children and young people with complex needs.
What we offer
- Inclusive, contemporary repertoire.
- Multi‑sensory participation (movement, signs, accessible sound‑making).
- Two online + one in‑person rehearsal per half‑term.
What your school provides
- Support identifying participants.
- Help with scheduling.
- Staff accompaniment for in‑person sessions.
Session structure
- Three sessions per half‑term
- Two online, one in‑person at Mid Herts Centre for Music & Arts, Hatfield.
Information:
Costs for 2026/27
Foundation skills strengthened
- Communication and expressive confidence.
- Social connection and belonging.
- Regulation and sensory engagement.
- Creativity and musical identity.
Why this is cost-effective
- High‑impact enrichment at low cost.
- Reduces participation barriers.
- Improves wellbeing and confidence.
- Providing early, targeted support that prevents escalation.
- Improving regulation, communication and engagement, reducing learning time lost.
- Reducing reliance on reactive, higher‑cost interventions.
- Strengthening OAP through strategy‑sharing and staff upskilling.
- Supporting pupils at risk of suspension, persistent absence or SEMH needs.
- Providing consistent, relationship‑based support aligned with SENCO priorities.