Schools Newsletter – June 2026
Fao: Headteacher and Music Lead, Primary and SEND
Dear Colleagues,
You will have seen in our June Newsletter that West Sussex Music has a new Patron – the award-winning composer Rachel Portman OBE. Rachel has demonstrated that she is a keen supporter of our work in what promises to be an exciting partnership.
If you would like further information or are looking for bespoke, in-school support or would like a visit to discuss developing music in your school please do get in touch.
It’s not too late to book your programmes for next academic year! Please get in touch with your requests, using our SLA and booking form, to secure your booking whether it’s for autumn, spring or summer terms 2026-27. It’s also not too late to sign up for the music education conference.
For more information, please read on…
Classroom Instrumental Lessons SLA 2026-27
You can find out more about our offer for 2026 – 27 whole-class programmes Whole class instrumental lessons | West Sussex Music – that’s 1Term2Learn, Key2Music, and GetIn2Music. If you would like to talk through any of the options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Time4Music SLA 2026-27
The Time4Music (T4M) service level agreement is a flexible approach to support and enrich your school’s music. See here for the range of ways we can work with you to support your curriculum, including bespoke CPD opportunities, weekly music activities and instrument loans.
The schools’ pages on our website provide information about all the options of support from West Sussex Music. If you can’t see what you need, please do get in touch with a member of the schools’ team:
- Alison Sutton, SEND & Inclusion Lead alison.sutton@westsussexmusic.co.uk
- Jane Swindells, Primary Curriculum Manager jane.swindells@westsussexmusic.co.uk
- Shelley Young, Schools Administrator music@westsussexmusic.co.uk
Inset Days and Staff Meetings 2026-2027
Are you planning your Inset days for next year? We offer free, highly accessible training at staff meetings and locality inset days. Our CPD sessions are designed to complement your current curriculum and support teacher confidence in teaching music.
Contact us to let us know what you need music@westsussexmusic.co.uk
West Sussex Primary & SEND Music Education Conference Haywards Heath College 9 July 2026
Places are going fast for our highly acclaimed Primary & SEND Music Education Conference 2026. It’s not too late to book onto a day of helpful and inspiring workshops: DJing, composing – learning easy ways to tap into children’s innate creativity – inclusive choirs, creating classroom orchestras, getting even your most reluctant teachers to approach teaching a song with confidence and more… All workshops have been designed to complement current curriculums and cover all key stages. Read more and book here. West Sussex Primary and SEND Music Education Conference 2026 | West Sussex Music
As ever, we very much appreciate you sharing information about further opportunities with your families…
West Sussex Music’s inclusive SEND orchestra is back, with four free sessions during June at our Horsham Music Centre
These sessions are open to children and young people, aged 8 upwards, with additional needs, including those attending special schools, those at mainstream schools or colleges with additional needs. I’d be grateful if you could share this link with your families so that as many young people as possible can benefit from this wonderful opportunity. https://www.westsussexmusic.co.uk/orchestras-inc/
Holiday Activities – Thursday 23 – Wednesday 29 July
Covering Bognor Regis, Crawley and Worthing, we have a wide selection of exciting workshops lined up for young people aged 8-16 year olds including Rap & Music Production and Play In A Band
FREE places area available for those in receipt of free school meals and everyone gets a free meal at lunchtime. Find out more here.
Alison Sutton
Assistant Head: Head of Learning
West Sussex Music