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Home Working with schools Service level agreements: opportunities, commitments and conditions

Service Level Agreements:

Opportunities, Commitments and Conditions

Services provided to schools can be ordered through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) issued annually.  

This year, the SLA should be completed online.  You can see your current provision by logging in to your school account at www.Presto.NMPAT.co.uk

We recognise that the new academic year will be challenging for many students as they begin a full year in school.  In order to support the rebuilding process we are holding our charges at the same level.

On this page you will find full information to assist you in completing the Service Level Agreement for your school:

If you need any further information to what can be found on this page, please contact the NMPAT Office: office@nmpat.co.uk

Thank you for your support in continuing to work with us.

SLA guidance

NMPAT can provide specialist National Curriculum Music lessons in your school.  These lessons are usually delivered weekly across the school year.  Whole Class National Curriculum Teaching is available at £47 per hour.

For further information please see our dedicated page for National Curriculum Music Teaching 

Submission date Monday 24th May – please email Office@nmpat.co.uk to make a request after this date.

The Government wants every child to have the opportunity to play a musical instrument.  To help you meet this aspiration, NMPAT are devolving £310,000 of government money to schools as a grant to enable every child to have a First Access experience during their primary school experience.

Once a school has provided a First Access experience for a whole year group, any residual funding – or the whole school allocation if delivered through Option C: In school delivery – can be used as a discount against other services purchased from NMPAT. This arrangement is reviewed annually.

For full details of the options available please see our dedicated page for First Access Whole Class Projects.             

To make your request, please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/L4mSzBujne

Submission deadline Monday 24th May

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) is continuing to work in partnership with Creative United and OHMI on their successful Inclusive Access to Music Making (‘IAMM’) project, which focuses on the inclusion of all pupils in First Access music projects in providing adapted instruments and equipment – helping remove barriers to music making. Resources will be provided at no cost to schools; some information about your students is required to be able to allocate resources appropriately.

Please complete this secure form in order for us to gather the information required: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NMPAT2122/

Requests for lessons can be made through our online database iPresto, which also allows you to view your current provision.  The same booking form can be used to request ensemble directors (including piano accompanists), Music Production tuition, after school clubs, Music Therapy and support for SEND students.

Small group and individual lessons in schools are available at £40 per hour, for 33 weeks across the academic year.  The standard minimum visit is 1 hour. Visits of 30 to 50 minutes will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed.

Instrumental and vocal teaching is usually provided from KS2 to KS5, though some upper strings and recorder work might be appropriate at KS1.

Full more information please see our dedicated page for school lessons.

You can find introductory videos on each department on our YouTube Channel: Thinking of learning an instrument…

Additional details on our Music Therapy and SEND provision can be found on our dedicated page for the Reach the Stars programme.

To make your request, please find access to the booking form here: Presto.nmpat.co.uk (please note this form allows you to make repeat updates to your submission during the booking period)

Submission deadline Monday 21st June 

The contract between your school and NMPAT applies for the full academic year.  Please ensure you read the full terms and conditions.

Your visiting teachers will be happy to liaise with you about arranging tuition for next year. If you would like to explore widening the disciplines in your school, please contact the relevant Head of Department:

You can see the amount of teaching and instruments currently being taught in school by logging into your school Presto account: Presto. NMPAT.co.uk

To increase the range of instruments on offer please complete the online booking form – the link can be found in the SLA letter emailed to your school in early May.

You can find introductory videos on each department on our YouTube Channel: Thinking of learning an instrument…

Submission deadline Friday 14th May

In schools where NMPAT has agreed to operate a direct billing scheme, the financial relationship is between NMPAT and the parents.  Teaching is delivered during the school day.  NMPAT’s standard tuition is provided as 15 minute individual lessons, though in some circumstances this may be combined into a shared half hour.

Schools inviting NMPAT to operate as a supplier of music education in their school, in a direct billing arrangement, undertake to abide by the same professional relationship which currently exists between NMPAT, its staff and the school concerned.  Please ensure you read the full terms and conditions.

Full more information please see our dedicated page for instrumental and vocal school lessons.

If you would like to explore widening the range of disciplines in your school, please contact the relevant Head of Department:

Additional Projects and Services can be funded by any residual grant money.

In order to help you build a broad and balanced curriculum for your students, NMPAT can deliver a rich variety of projects and services including: 

  • Let’s Sing Vocal Projects
  • Big Sings and Academy Chain Sings
  • Music for Well-being Projects
  • Fresh Beats KS2 Contemporary Popular Music Projects
  • Music Production
  • Reach the Stars projects for SEND children and young people
  • Music Therapy
  • Digital Resources
  • Bespoke Consultancy and Advice

To make your request, please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Additional guidance can be found below.

Additional Projects and Services guidance

Let’s Sing Vocal Projects

A Let’s Sing project is suitable for KS1 and KS2 and consists of 5 weekly sessions with one of our vocal specialists, who provide fun singing sessions, tailored to meet the needs of the students. Where appropriate the project can culminate in a short performance of their work.
The cost is £225 per class.

NMPAT Big Sing

The Big Sing brings schools from across the county together to perform as a large choir. The performance takes place in March and application forms are sent to interested schools during the Autumn term.

A staff meeting/resource session will take place in December and you will receive a workshop from the NMPAT vocal team to help prepare your class/choir for the event.

Participation is by invitation and places are limited.
The cost is £150 per school

Academy Trust / Cluster singing projects

An opportunity for schools in your academy chain, or a group of local schools, to collaborate on a combined choral event. Tailored to the needs of each group of schools, these can culminate in large scale Big Sing style events or smaller cluster sings.
The cost is by negotiation according to the amount of vocal and administrative input from NMPAT. 

To make your request, please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Further information can be found on our dedicated page for Vocal Projects

NMPAT are able to provide support for clubs and ensembles within school.

Ensembles directors, including piano accompanists, can help with a range of bands, orchestras and choirs.  Please add a “note” to your booking to state whether the ensemble takes place on a specific day, or any other information that may be useful in the timetabling process.

To make your request, please find the booking form here: Presto.nmpat.co.uk

Submission deadline: Monday 21st June

NMPAT is able to offer schools a 5 week project designed to support pupils’ mental and emotional well-being as they return to school. As all learning is emotional state-dependent, we propose a musical curriculum which supports the NHS 5 Steps to Well-being:

  • Connect with other people
  • Be physically active
  • Learn new skills
  • Give to others
  • Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Through a carefully crafted unit of 5 lessons which include mindfulness, singing, listening, breathing exercises, movement, body and found-object percussion work led by a member of NMPAT staff, pupils will:

  • Possess the tools, skills and language to describe and handle their emotions
  • Build stronger connections, find commonalities with their peers, and widen their perceptions
  • Be more mindful and be better equipped to handle stress in their lives
  • Have gained musical knowledge and skills which can be applied to any instrument or voice

Who this is intended for:

  • Whole classes in Key Stage 1 or 2
  • Classes or smaller groups of pupils that are identified as struggling emotionally or socially

What the NMPAT Teacher will need:

  • A classroom or large space that is preferably free of clutter, with chairs
  • If possible: access to an Interactive White Board and sound system
  • Another responsible adult in the room i.e. Class Teacher or TA

The cost is £225 per class.

Feedback from pilot school: “Their concentration in maths was markedly improved” – Y4 Class Teacher

To make your request, please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Fresh Beats is a small class learning format for year 4, 5 and 6 covering the rudiments of contemporary popular music. Weekly classes can be after-school or during the school day.

Projects take place in weekly 30 minute sessions with 6 students at a time.  The minimum booking requirement is 1 hour for 12 students. 

During the project students will learn the core elements of drumming, keyboard, guitar and vocals.

Sessions will be held for 10 weeks a term with regular performance opportunities. Equipment is provided although schools can purchase their own equipment with advice from NMPAT if they wish to do so.

The cost is £55 per student per term. 

For further details please contact John Draper, Head of Guitars: JDraper@NMPAT.co.uk 

To make your request, please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Small group lessons

NMPAT Are able to offer tuition in Music Production for students interested in small group and individual lessons.  Teaching is usually delivered from KS2 to KS5 and equipment can be provided.

As with instrumental lessons, the minimum booking time is 1 hour and we recommend 6 students per hour.

Students will be encouraged to follow the RSL awards scheme, allowing pupils to take graded exams as per traditional musical instruments.

To make your request, please find access to the booking form here: Presto.nmpat.co.uk

Submission deadline Monday 21st June 

Exam support

NMPAT staff are also able to provide support for students taking exams with Music Production elements.  This includes GCSE, BTEC and A Level courses – please provide as much detail as possible about your request on the booking form: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

NMPAT’s Reach the Stars programme delivers practical music education with and for children and young people with additional needs, supporting Special Schools and DSP units (Designated Special Provision, in schools), throughout the county.

NMPAT are also able to offer music therapy as part of the Reach the Stars programme.
The cost is £50 per hour.

For requests for weekly small group or individual work, including Music Therapy, please submit your request on your school account: Presto.NMPAT.co.uk

You can provide supporting information and request further support on the Additional Projects and Services form: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Further information can be found on our dedicated page for Reach the Stars

Charanga

NMPAT continues to be a premier partner of Charanga and are able to offer all Northamptonshire and Rutland schools access to Charanga’s award-winning Musical School programme.

Musical School is available through NMPAT at a discounted rate of £195 per year. You can sign up for a 30-day trial period before ordering.

Music Express

NMPAT has partnered with Collins Music to bring all Northamptonshire and Rutland schools access to award-winning digital primary music curriculum resource Music Express at a special discounted rate.

Music Express is available through NMPAT at a discounted price of £160 per year.  You can sign up for a free 30-day trial before ordering.

You can request a license for Musical School and Music Express at any time during the year, as well as on your SLA: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Further information can be found on our dedicated page for resources for school staff.

We are happy to support you in any aspect of your school’s musical development and can provide consultancy support for:

  • induction of new staff
  • support for non-specialist teachers
  • developing a music curriculum within your school
  • teaching and learning in the music classroom
  • support for Arts Mark application
  • preparation for Ofsted

Fees and charges

Bespoke consultancy work is charged at £70 per hour or £350 per day, but please contact us to discuss your individual needs.

For further information please contact Chris Hiscock, Head of Curriculum Music on CHiscock@nmpat.co.uk

To make your request please find the booking form here: https://forms.office.com/r/UYyjUrjkEV

Submission deadline Monday 21st June

Partnership working

NMPAT commits to provide for this Service Level Agreement:

The ability and capacity to provide for all of your musical education requirements, including:

  • First Access whole class teaching and progression routes
  • small group and individual lessons
  • music curriculum delivery
  • ensemble coaching, small group teaching and music clubs
  • instrumental and vocal provision
  • access to exam entry and medal assessment – ABRSM and Trinity – and to accompanists
  • access to continuation routes including Regional Centres and auditioned County Groups

NMPAT provides specialist music education professionals – all of our staff are:

  • subject to a safer recruitment process and enhanced DBS disclosures
  • trained and certificated in Safeguarding for children and young people
  • expected to wear NMPAT identification
  • highly skilled and qualified music professionals that participate in ongoing CPD and keep up to date with developments in their practice

Access to and provision from NMPAT’s stock of over 10,000 maintained instruments:

  • Instruments provided for all First Access delivery
  • Instrument loan available for small group delivery
  • Access to specialist and high value instruments
  • Teaching and practice instruments – e.g. double basses in schools

NMPAT provides the management, administration and organisational infrastructure to support delivery, including:

  • all appropriate employer’s liability and public liability insurances
  • management of staff and resolution of concerns or disputes
  • timetabling
  • administration
  • all matters relating to NICs, holiday pay, absences, sickness, maternity or paternity leave, etc.
  • subsidised costs – through National Music Grant and additional fundraising from other sources – including some access to bursaries and fees remissions for students

Collaboration with NMPAT provides access for young people to a wide range of progression routes and follow up opportunities:

  • Regional Centres and Rock Schools
  • residential courses
  • masterclasses, family play days, careers events, audition support
  • Auditioned County Groups
  • concerts and performance opportunities – including participation opportunities with the annual Music for Youth festival series
  • bursaries and fees remission support
  • theory and aural support for exam entrants

Schools can expect their NMPAT instrumental teachers to be willing to:

  • have a coherent scheme of work for projects, as appropriate (e.g. for First Access)
  • liaise with parents through the use of NMPAT practice diaries
  • plan sessions with shared deliverers, as appropriate
  • discuss progress with schools and teachers
  • support schools with concerts as far as possible
  • discuss opportunities for ongoing support facilitated by school staff, as appropriate
  • provide written reports once a year for small group and individual instrumental students

As a school inviting NMPAT to work in partnership, you commit to:

  • Ensure that there is a designated contact person to liaise with NMPAT and to provide their name and contact
  • Offer a direct line of communication with NMPAT teachers and make them feel valued as members of staff in the school
  • Ensure your NMPAT teachers are aware of relevant dates in the school calendar, e.g. INSET days, school trips, concerts, and similar
  • Provide your NMPAT teachers with all relevant medical and social information about pupils being taught and Health and Safety information relating to your site
  • Ensure there is an appropriate space and environment for the project or teaching to take place, with suitable visibility for safeguarding purposes and where music making can take place uninterrupted and without disturbing others
  • Where appropriate, enable concerts and sharing of work with parents and audiences – for example at the end of a project – and to liaise over the administration, presentation and delivery of these
  • Where students participating in small group and individual lessons and are provided with an instrument, to support the requirement for this to be registered with our instrument loan scheme via paperwork administered by trust staff
  • From time to time be invited, as representatives from the school, to attend concerts or events and experience NMPAT’s work in practice, particularly if the school’s students are performing
  • From time to time, NMPAT may ask schools to disseminate information to students about our Regional Centres / County Groups /  other activities. Please do let us know if there are opportunities to provide information to be included in school newsletters, book bags, or similar

Students must, where appropriate, provide their own music books, strings and reeds, as advised by the instrumental or vocal teacher. Every effort will be made to offer students the free loan of an instrument (subject to availability and not including guitars, keyboards and drum kits) particularly in the early stages of study.

Advice for students

  • You will be expected to commit to learning and practice between lessons – remember the more you play, the better you get
  • You will be provided with a practice diary for your teacher to write down what you should be practicing between lessons and for you to record when you have practiced  
  • Aim to make music every day if you can
  • Always remember to think about your posture
  • Listen for a good sound
  • Have fun when you make music, that way your personality will shine through your music

Communication, conditions and confirmation

School email addresses

Help us communicate more effectively with you, by checking the email addresses we hold for your school.  Changes can be made by logging into the school Presto account or by emailing office@nmpat.co.uk

It is now possible for us to store up to 5 email addresses for your school.

Customer satisfaction

Please tell us how we are doing. It is important that we know what our customers think of us and we appreciate any comments or thoughts you might like to share.

Last year 95% of your responses graded us as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. We also learned that it is in the area of support for your school and communication that we need to improve the most. We hope that this new way of presenting the SLA information will help with both of those issues.

This can be done in the Feedback and Data Return section of the Additional Projects and Services form.

Data return

Please help us report to the Department for Education about the level of ensemble activity in your school. We have one of the most musical counties in the country and we want to shout about it. 

This can also be done in the Feedback and Data Return section of the Additional Projects and Services form.

Please download and read the terms and conditions that apply to you:

Please also download and read the NMPAT Privacy Policy

Please ensure you have provided the name and contact email address for the most appropriate person in school for each strand of the SLA.  This in the final section of each form: 

By submitting your request for small group and individual tuition on your school Presto account you are confirming that you agree to the terms and conditions above.

"All children should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument"

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