Music development plan summary: Exning Primary School Overview

Detail	Information
Academic year that this summary covers	2025/2026
Date this summary was published	Not Available
Date this summary will be reviewed	September 2026
Name of the school music lead	Louise Carter
Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different)	Emma Spencer
Name of local music hub	Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub
Name of other music education organisation(s) (if partnership in place)	RockSteady

Part A: Curriculum music

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.

At Exning Primary School, music is taught across all year groups through timetabled lessons, supported by a weekly whole-school singing assembly. Long-term plans for each year group are available on our website and outline topics taught in line with the Kapow Music scheme, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for Music and the Department for Education’s Model Music Curriculum (MMC). By following this structured and progressive scheme, we ensure that all statutory requirements are met.Pupil progress is evident through lesson observations, class books, and assessments. Observations show that pupils, including those with SEND, are consistently engaged and active during lessons. Our primary music lessons, taught through the Kapow Primary Music scheme, are fully inclusive for SEND learners because Kapow’s structured, step‑by‑step approach and clear, consistent lesson format support pupils who benefit from routine and predictable learning. Multisensory activities, e.g. movement, singing, instrument exploration and visual modelling, ensure that children with diverse needs can access learning. Scaffolded tasks and adaptable resources allow us to personalise activities, reduce cognitive load and provide alternative ways to participate. This ensures every child, including those with SEND, can experience success, express themselves musically and feel confident as part of the class.We have a wide range of instruments available for use within lessons, enhancing practical learning and performance opportunities. Teachers are confident in teaching key musical elements and in supporting pupils to listen to and evaluate pieces of music, especially with the help and support CPD videos available with the Kapow Scheme. In Year 4, all pupils are loaned a clarinet and receive weekly tuition from a specialist music teacher (WCET). They perform at a festival alongside other schools at the end of the year and share their learning with other classes through end-of-term performances.

Part B: Co-curricular music

This is about opportunities for pupils to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how pupils can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.

Outside of lesson time, we offer Rock Steady band sessions. A Rock Steady teacher visits school each week to lead band rehearsals, and children can choose to learn an instrument as part of a group. Instrument options include vocals, piano, guitar, and drums. Bands perform to staff, parents, and pupils at the end of each term.Children in receipt of Pupil Premium funding are able to access Rock Steady tuition free of charge, on a rolling basis, should they wish to take part. Parents can sign their child up via the Rock Steady website, and information is regularly shared on the Pupil Premium Class Dojo page. Rehearsals take place in the group room, with performances held in the main hall.We also run a Singing Club twice a year. The choir performs at a range of events including Exning Court, the Christmas Bazaar, the Christmas Service, and the summer fete.Additionally, our Performing Arts Club runs once a year, giving pupils the opportunity to showcase music, acting, and dance. Their performance is shared with the rest of the school and is a highlight of the year.

Part C: Musical experiences

This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, such as singing in assembly, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts.

Aside from the musical performances and assemblies outlined above, we offer many additional opportunities for pupils to perform throughout the school year.Our Year 3 class took part in the Christmas Jumper Day song in collaboration with the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, helping to raise money for charity.We also have a number of planned performances throughout the year:Reception, Year 1 and Year 2: Christmas NativityYears 3 and 4: Easter ProductionYears 5 and 6: End-of-year productionIn addition, we have organised a dedicated day of workshops for Year 5 with WeJam. Throughout the day, pupils will work in small groups to learn to play different instruments and perform together as an ensemble.

In the future

This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years.

Children at Exning have many opportunities to perform and listen to live music within school. We would love to give our children more opportunities to enjoy music at a live event in the future.We are also looking to provide space in school, where children with an interest can receive one to one tuition for their instrument with a specialist teacher.

Further information (optional)

The Department for Education publishes a guide for parents and young people on how they can get involved in music in and out of school, and where they can go to for support beyond the school. For more information about our local music hub – please follow this link: https://www.nmhub.co.uk/site/