DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT ACTION PLAN
Subject: Music	Subject lead: Ellie Kendell	Year: 2025/2026

CONTEXT

The Music Department is currently developing in a positive direction supported by the appointment of a new School Music HLTA Lead and the creation of a dedicated Creative and Expressive Arts room with appropriate space and storage. Key strengths of the department include a growing commitment to inclusive music provision, increasing learner interest and strong support from senior leaders. There is also great potential for further cross curricular work and wider learner engagement. Areas that still need development include expanding the range of instruments available, particularly accessible options, and establishing consistent extracurricular opportunities such as a school choir or band. Over the past year or two, changes in leadership and the introduction of the new arts room have had a significant impact on shaping the department’s priorities. These developments have provided a strong foundation for both short term goals such as building partnerships and improving resources and long term aims including formal instrumental tuition, enhanced performance opportunities, further use of music technology and the introduction of musical trips and residential experiences.

DEPARTMENT LONG-TERM PLAN (2 TO 3-YEAR TIMESCALE):

Develop and sustain a fully resourced, high-quality Music Department that supports inclusive music provision across all pathways. Embed music as a cross-curricular strength, incorporating accredited pathways for KS4 and Post-16 learners and expanding meaningful performance opportunities. Establish structured, progressive opportunities for learners to receive formal instrumental tuition. Create and implement a long-term strategic vision for Music Technology, ensuring consistent access, staff training, and integration into teaching and learning. Develop a programme of enriching musical experiences, including residentials, visits, and off-site opportunities.

DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT PRIORITIES (1-YEAR TIMESCALE):

Expand and diversify the school’s musical instrument collection, including accessible instruments for all learners Establish and maintain a school choir and/or band, offering lunchtime and after-school music clubs Develop strategic partnerships with local music hubs, organisations, and community music providers Sustain and enhance my professional development as the Music Lead through targeted CPD

DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT PRIORITY 1:
Member of staff with overall responsibility:
Targets	Actions to be taken	By whom	By when	Resources needed	Success criteria	Monitoring	RAG
Expand and diversify the school’s musical instrument collection, including accessible instruments for all learners	Conduct an audit of existing instruments, including accessibility needs for students with SEN or physical disabilities Research suppliers, costs, and quality of both standard and accessible instruments Apply for grants, donations, or run fundraising initiatives to support purchases Purchase, catalogue, and maintain instruments	School Music Lead	September 2026	Budget: Time for research, fundraising materials, storage space for instruments within the school’s Creative and Expressive Arts Room	Complete range of instruments available, including accessible options Safe, playable, and inclusive instruments Learners of all abilities can access and use instruments in lessons and clubs	Headteacher reviews audits and purchase reports, fundraising outcomes. Lesson observations confirm use and accessibility

DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT PRIORITY 2:
Member of staff with overall responsibility:
Targets	Actions to be taken	By whom	By when	Resources needed	Success criteria	Monitoring	RAG
Establish and maintain a school choir and/or band, offering lunchtime and after-school music clubs	Survey learner interest and schedule club times Recruit staff/volunteers to help lead groups Promote clubs to learners via assemblies, newsletters, and social media Launch choir/band and monitor attendance	School Music Lead	July 2026	Staff time (release from other duties if needed), rehearsal space, instruments, sheet music	Minimum of 10–15 learners regularly attending each club Choir/band performing at school events and within the local community Improved student engagement and confidence	Deputy headteacher in charge of extra curricular monitors attendance registers, observes rehearsals, collects learner feedback

DEPARTMENT/SUBJECT PRIORITY 3:
Member of staff with overall responsibility:
Targets	Actions to be taken	By whom	By when	Resources needed	Success criteria	Monitoring	RAG
Develop strategic partnerships with local music hubs, organisations, and community music providers	Research local music hubs, orchestras, and organisations Reach out to establish links and arrange workshops or collaborative projects Schedule regular visits or remote sessions with partners Evaluate impact and learner participation	School Music Lead	March 2026	Staff time, communication tools (email/phone), transport for visits if needed, small budget for workshops	At least 2–3 active partnerships established Learners participate in external workshops or events Staff benefit from shared resources/expertise	Headteacher monitors partnership agreements, attendance at workshops, and learner feedback