Additional Needs – Merton Music Foundation

MMF is committed to creating an inclusive learning community where all young people feel welcomed and supported in their musical learning. We work closely with families, tutors and schools to create the best opportunities for young people to fulfil their musical potential.

If you have any further questions please contact us so that we can work together to ensure that your child makes progress and enjoys their lessons.

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Current Projects

September 2023 – August 2024

➢ 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 (Jan 24 – July 25)

➢ Open Orchestras Project in collaboration with Perseid School (Sept 23 – July 24)

➢ Music Production, Ukulele and Beatbox Classes at Soundwave, Mitcham: Free Places Available for Pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (from Jan 23)

➢ Whole-class Djembe Project in collaboration with Melrose Primary School for Pupils with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (Sept 23 – Dec 23)

➢ Specialist piano lessons for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities at Music Centre, South Wimbledon

➢ 1-1 music therapy support and SEND instrumental lessons (various schools & MMF Music Centres)

In development – Inclusive rock and pop bands at Music Centre, South Wimbledon and Soundwave

Awards and 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

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.

South Wimbledon Music Centre at Merton Abbey Primary School

South Wimbledon Music Centre at Merton Abbey Primary School is step-free on the ground floor with wheelchair-accessible lifts to the first floor.

There is are accessible toilets on the ground floor.

Accessible parking is available in the school car park. Please contact the MMF office to request a permit.

Saturday Music School, Wimbledon College

Saturday Music School at Wimbledon College is step-free on the ground floor with wheelchair-accessible lifts to the first floor.

There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Accessible parking is available in the school car park.

Soundwave Mitcham

Soundwave is step-free throughout and there is an accessible toilet. Accessible car parking can be available on request. Please contact the MMF office to arrange this.

Crown Lane Percussion

Percussion lessons take place at Crown Lane Studio which is fully accessible.

The studio is step-free throughout and there is an accessible toilet with a hoist. Disabled car parking is available, and there is step-free access to the bus stop outside the studio as well as Morden underground station. Find out more at www.crownlanestudio.co.uk/access

Assistance Dogs – guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all areas of Merton Music Foundation.

FAQs

How do I let MMF know about my child’s additional needs?

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.

I would like to discuss my child’s needs, who should I contact?

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.

What training or experience do MMF staff have in working with young people with additional needs?

MMF is committed to developing ongoing training for tutors and staff. Our 2022/23 Continuous Professional Learning programme is focussed 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.

How will teaching be adapted for my child?

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.

My child has lessons at school, what communication is there between their class teacher and MMF tutor?

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.

What does a first lesson typically look like?

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.