Subsidies for Instrument Lessons in Schools

As part of our Inclusion Strategy, DMS is opening this new line of support for children and young People who may have economic barriers when joining music activity in schools.

Subsidies for up to 25% toward instrument lessons in schools are available from the Dorset Music Service for children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). See below for details.

We have a limited budget for these subsidies, and unfortunately cannot guarantee that an application will be accepted even if all criteria are met.

Process:

Pupil to sign up for lessons with provider (lessons must take place in school).

Lesson provider to inform school of the lessons.

School to check if pupil is eligible for Free School Meals, Looked After Child or Child in Care of Dorset Council.

If eligible, the school can apply for a remission from DMS up to the value of 25% of full lesson cost.

The school must match fund 25 % (or more) of lessons using their Pupil Premium money or other means.

The school must complete this form: https://forms.office.com/e/C4bg6sgg94  to apply for the funding and provide the following information:

  • School name
  • Name of pupil
  • Total cost of lessons
  • Cost they are applying for
  • Confirmation of eligibility
  • Instrument being learnt
  • Number of pupils in the lesson group
  • Instrumental teachers name
  • Instrumental teachers contact

Schools will need to complete the form on a termly basis to give confirmation that the child is still learning and access the funding.

DMH will transfer the money direct to the school either via Journal payment (maintained) or invoice (academies) at the start of each term to cover the tuition for that term.

Eligibility:

Pupils are eligible for support with tuition fees if they:

  • Attend a Dorset state school.
  • Are a Looked After Child, Child in Care of Dorset Council or in receipt of Free School Meals.
  • Are age 5 –18.

This support is available:

  • Towards the cost of lessons for one instrument only.
  • Subject to demand and pupils may be added to a waiting list if we receive more applications than we can support.
  • Subject to the school match funding at least 25% of the lesson costs, with families paying the remaining charge (up to 50%).
  • Only available via schools, parents are not able to apply directly for funding.
  • Only available where lessons take place in the school, not in out-of -school settings.

This support is not able to be backdated.