Brunel School Music Development Plan - February 2026

Vision

To harness the power of music as a therapeutic, expressive, and culturally enriching tool that supports the flourishing of every pupil academically, emotionally, and socially in a trauma-informed, nurturing environment.

Objectives

1. Embed music as a therapeutic and enrichment resource that supports pupils’ emotional regulation, social connection, and cultural identity.
2. Develop staff capacity and confidence to use music creatively across therapeutic, pastoral, and enrichment activities.
3. Create meaningful, culturally relevant musical experiences that connect with pupils’ backgrounds and lived experiences.
4. Use music to enhance pupils’ communication, self-expression, and wellbeing in line with the school’s safeguarding and personal development priorities.

Key Priorities and Actions

. Integration of Music in Therapeutic and One-to-One Sessions

• Collaborate with therapeutic staff to co-design music-based interventions tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Use music to support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and social engagement.
• Train therapists and support staff in basic musical facilitation techniques (e.g., rhythm, singing, songwriting).
• Document and evaluate the impact of music on therapeutic outcomes.

 Enrichment and Group Music Activities

• Develop a flexible enrichment programme incorporating group music-making, listening, and composition activities.
• Encourage pupil-led music projects reflecting their cultural and personal stories.
• Use music to build social skills, teamwork, and confidence.
• Partner with local musicians or community groups to provide live music experiences and cultural exchange.

 Staff Development and Capacity Building

• Provide training on the benefits of music for SEMH pupils, including trauma-informed approaches to musical engagement.
• Share resources and practical tools for embedding music in daily routines and lessons.
• Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration between music facilitators, therapists, and teachers.

 Curriculum and Provision Mapping (Creative Integration)

• Although music is not a formal curriculum subject, map where and how music supports other curriculum areas and therapeutic goals.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate musical elements into literacy, communication, and personal development activities.
• Develop a simple assessment tool to track pupil progress in musical engagement and its impact on social and emotional growth.

 Cultural Relevance and Inclusion

• Ensure musical activities reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of pupils.
• Use music as a medium to explore identity, heritage, and community.
• Celebrate cultural events and festivals with music-based activities.

Success Indicators

• Increased pupil engagement and positive behaviour during music-related activities.
• Positive feedback from pupils and staff on the therapeutic and enrichment value of music.
• Evidence of music supporting emotional regulation and social skills in pupil progress records.
• Staff confidence and competence in using music as a tool across the school.
• Stronger community links through music partnerships and events.

Timescale

• Short term (February – December 2026): Staff training, pilot music-therapy sessions, enrichment activity planning.
• Medium term (December to June 2027) Full integration of music in therapeutic and enrichment programmes, development of assessment tools.
• Long term (September 2027 to September 2028) Embedding music as a core part of the school’s nurturing and trauma-informed approach, ongoing evaluation and refinement.