One of our developmental priorities which will flow through all aspects of our work is that of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). All Music Education Hubs are now required to publish their Inclusion strategies and Charging & Remissions policy. This page is a synopsis of our strategy and gives you the opportunity to download the Strategy Document.
What do we mean by Inclusion?
Whilst Wiltshire is a relatively affluent county, its younger population includes those living and learning in challenging circumstances and who face a range of barriers to participation. These include rural isolation, social and economic deprivation, special educational needs and disability, emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues, and looked after children and young people. We also recognise an evolving demographic including ethnic minorities and refugees.
Within our means, we want to help level the playing field for all young people and ensure that wherever possible a child’s circumstances or background do not mean they prevented from accessing musical opportunities including opportunities to progress and achieve their musical potential.
Our approach
We see Inclusion as a responsibility that is shared across stakeholders groups and with which we provide support, encouragement and challenge. Obviously, it’s important that we ourselves do and demonstrate things but shared responsibility is commensurate with our hub model and longer-term sustainability & ‘ownership’. All partners have the potential to contribute to the strategy but not all need to attempt to address it all.
Inclusion is increasingly embedded across all areas of our work. From Associate recruitment, through funding / commissioning briefs, school music education planning template, instrument hire pool, remissions and awards.
Resourcing our Inclusion Work
“We recognise that the effort and costs associated with reaching and benefiting young people with particular needs and challenges may be greater than for the mainstream.”
We have allocated budgets for:
- Tuition subsidies in and out of school (see Charging and Remissions section)
- Remission for instrument hire (see Charging and Remissions section)
- An inclusion network open to both Associates and schools
- Curriculum support for Special Schools
- Library of adaptive instruments
Action Plan
Following stakeholder consultation sessions in 2022-23, and working with staff and board, we identified five development areas (although these will naturally be cross cutting in many areas)
- Associate workforce development
- Professional development and training (CPD) – schools and Associates
- Youth Voice
- Diverse musical offer: Genres (young people, schools, and ensembles)
- Disadvantaged Learners including SEND
We also recognise that Rurality / Digital / Composition & Expanded Musical Opportunities run through all 5 in one form or another.