Music in Ealing – Unlocked!
“Music has, for many children and young people, been an outlet for expressing and working through the emotional impact of lockdown, and the subject has significant potential to support pupils as they return to school”
In response to the COVID pandemic, Ealing Music Service is working to extend and developing our established services and processes so that we can provide a continued music education experience for children and young people
By exploring new approaches with online lessons and resources we will all come through this stronger than before, able to deliver a richer music education opportunities for children.
A blended approach
EMS teachers can provide lessons face-to-face, online and switch between the two as required by school closures or individual ‘bubble’ being locked down. Whilst timetabling for online lessons may vary, as far as possible we will endeavour to maintain the regular lesson schedule.
For further information on the delivery of EMS services to Schools during the COVID pandemic, see: EMS828 SLA Appendix – COVID19.pdf
Safeguarding and Privacy
Online instrumental lessons using council issued iPads and lessons recorded and securely stored for a maximum of 28 days for safeguarding and quality assurance by our senior leadership team.
For further information regarding EMS teacher code of Conduct, see: EMS802 Code of Conduct.pdf
For further information regarding Child Protection, see: EMS803 Child Protection Policy Document.pdf
For further information regarding Safeguarding for Online Tuition, see: EMS804 Online Safeguarding Policy.pdf
For further information regarding Privacy, see: EMS860 Privacy Notice.pdf
Risk Assessments
EMS Instrument and Voice (singing) tuition is supported by supplemental Risk Assessments to promote pupil and teacher safety whilst COVID19 restrictions apply.
Listed below are the various Risk Assessments EMS has prepared to cover the delivery of lessons during COVID.
EMS Programmes
Spark! (Whole-Class Ensemble Tuition – WCET)
This will continue to be provided for whole classes in key stage 2 and significantly subsidised by EMS.
In accordance with government guidelines, there are factors to consider with regards to the group size, location of lesson and type of instrument taught. In particular, special considerations apply for Brass & Woodwind instruments.
Small Group Instrumental Tuition
Small Group tuition is also continuing. In accordance with government guidelines, there are factors to consider with regards to group size, location of lesson and type of instrument taught.
Choirs and Ensembles
Choirs and ensembles within schools are able to restart but extra-curricular activities are subject to the Out of School Settings (OOSS) guidelines, so are limited to 15 in a group, regardless of the mix of instruments or voices. More than one group may be in the same space. The OOSS guidelines stipulate 2m social distancing (at minimum) and good ventilation. The Music Mark provider guidelines include advice for all sorts of ensembles and choirs, based on the latest medical and scientific research.
Should you wish to discuss any specific requirements that are not covered in this update, please do not hesitate to contact us on ealingmusicservice@ealing.gov.uk
My team and I look forward to working with you to unlock all opportunities for your children and young people to reach their full music potential.
Yogesh Dattani
Head of Ealing Music Partnership
