Five years into delivery of the National Plan for Music Education, many hubs have developed innovative and inclusive models of practice. They have interpreted the spirit of the original core and extension roles to provide all children with equitable opportunities to take part in meaningful musical activities and progress as young musicians.

However, there are still many opportunities for hubs to develop the quality of their practice and to make their offer more inclusive.

This document has been designed to support Music Education Hubs to develop inclusive practice in their work and ensure that all children - regardless of their background or circumstances - can access, engage with, and make progress through creative music-making opportunities.

The guidance is split into two parts. The first section is designed to help you assess and challenge inclusive practice in relation to each core and extension role. Each role is accompanied by a short vision statement explaining what an inclusive approach would look like, and a set of key questions which can be used to sense-check business plans and strategies.

The second section shares examples of good practice from hubs across the country, designed to inspire and to provide practical examples for each of the roles. If you have an example to be included in future iterations of this guidance, then please submit your example to Youth Music for consideration.

This guidance has been produced by Youth Music, working alongside Siggy Patchitt from Bristol Music Trust, Anita Holford of Writing Services Phil Mullen (Music Education Consultant) and colleagues from Arts Council England.