Inclusion & additional needs

Inclusion & additional needs

A group of children wearing blue Merton Music Foundation polo shirts sing together, focusing intently. The scene radiates inclusion, with one girl in the foreground singing passionately.

‘An inclusive cultural organisation – not just in what we say, but also in what we do.’

We believe that representation matters and know that equity, diversity and inclusion are essential ingredients to dismantling barriers young people face when engaging with music education. Inclusion is a state of mind. It requires regular reflection and is never finished. Read more to learn about the steps we’re taking on our journey to becoming a truly inclusive cultural organisation.

Accessibility

We want to remove every barrier to music-making. MMF believes in the Social Model of Disability and we want to do our part in creating inclusive accessible spaces. If we haven’t thought of something that would make your visit easier, please let us know. No question is too silly, and we will do our best to fulfil any request.

Contact us – please contact the MMF office with any questions: 020 8640 5446 or email inclusion@mmf.org.uk

What to expect at South Wimbledon

FAQs

We ask for this information when you register for lessons. You can also log in to My Account and tell us about any additional needs, your child’s SEND status, if English is an additional language, their medical information and if they have any allergies or intolerances.

When completing this form, it’s helpful if you tell us any specific strategies that work well for your child. We know that every child is an individual and labels aren’t always the most relevant indicator of a young person’s aspirations or needs.

Please email inclusion@mmf.org.uk and we will be in touch. Alternatively, call us on: 020 8640 5446 to speak with one of the team.

MMF is committed to developing ongoing training for tutors and staff and regularly delivers training on strategies for working with children with a wide range of needs. Within the team, there are specialists with many years of experience working in this area.

We encourage tutors to approach each child as an individual and to focus on their strengths and abilities. Learning strategies, repertoire and even instruments can be adapted to accommodate every child.

MMF tutors are encouraged to communicate with class teachers and the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) of the schools that they teach in. These conversations are centred around discovering strategies which work in class that may be helpful when applied to instrumental lessons.

Like your child, each first lesson is unique. However, every first lesson will include the tutor getting to know your child, finding out about the music they enjoy and of course making music on your child’s instrument. They will be given a Practice Diary to record what they will need to practise with the opportunity for you to add any notes and communicate with the tutor.

For lessons at our Music Centres, it is also possible for parents/guardians to meet with the tutor during the first lesson to discuss your ambitions for the lessons and any specific needs or support strategies for your child.

Awards & certificates in musical development

MMF is proud to be a registered centre for Trinity College London’s Awards and Certificates in Musical Development. ACMD are fully inclusive qualifications designed in association with Sounds of Intent.

The qualifications set a new standard for accessible, inclusive music assessments which are available to all music learners. Learners are assessed by their music leader or teacher through a process of ongoing observation within regular music-learning opportunities.

If you are interested in having your young musician or student, take part, contact the MMF team at inclusion@mmf.org.uk

Notable projects

  • Resonance Ensemble – a free, fully-accessible 6-week music project for children and young people aged 14 – 25 years.
  • Mini Musicians Project – 250+ children to be entered for Trinity College London ACMD inclusive accreditation, including pupils at Treetops ASD unit and Perseid Lower special school
  • Open Orchestras Project in collaboration with Perseid School
  • Music Production, Ukulele and Beatbox Classes at Soundwave, Mitcham: Free Places Available for Pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
  • Whole-class Djembe Project in collaboration with Melrose Primary School for Pupils with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
  • Specialist lessons for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities at Music Centre, South Wimbledon
  • 1-1 music nurture support and SEND instrumental lessons (various schools & MMF Music Centres)
  • Inclusive rock and pop bands at Music Centre, South Wimbledon and Soundwave

Our inclusion partners

We are proud signatories of the Black Lives in Music Charter, Music Mark’s Talk Into Action Campaign and the ISM-MU Joint Code of Practice. Click on the logos below to learn more about our commitments and partnerships.

A lime green circle with the bold, black letters ISM centered inside, symbolizing inclusion.

More info