Summer term CPD and School Music Development Plan offer

We know that finding time to invest in music CPD is challenging, so this term we are encouraging teachers to dedicate just one hour of their term to upskilling themselves in music. If every teacher set aside just one hour a week to focus on music, this would amount to 2,400 hours of teacher learning across Dorset. Just imagine the difference that level of investment could make for our young people.

Dorset pupils tell us that “Music helps me regulate” and “Music is an important part of my life – it allows me to express myself freely.” They recognise that “Everyone has a chance in music.” Those voices remind us why music matters, not only as a subject, but as a powerful tool for wellbeing, inclusion, and self‑expression.

Isn’t that worth investing in to unlock the benefits music can bring to your classroom and school community?

To support you, we encourage you to join one of the webinars below. They are designed to inspire, motivate, and equip you with practical ideas to help you achieve your targets — or set new ones — with confidence.

One hour. One small commitment. A lasting impact through music.

Here are some free, recorded training sessions you can watch at your own convenience;

TitleDelivererLink to training
Industry Links: Real-world music industry pathways for young peopleOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsStrodelive: Industry Links | Real-World Music Industry Pathways for Young People
Inclusive Musical ApproachesOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsInclusive Musical Approaches | Educator-led CPD
Music in the Early YearsOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsMusic in the Early Years: Educator-led CPD
Musical Ethos and curriculum designOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsMusical Ethos & Curriculum Design: Teacher Led by CPD
Using Music to Re-engage LearnersOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsUsing Music to Re-Engage Learners: Teacher-Led CPD
The Power of CollaborationsOctagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsCPD Teatime Chats – The Power of Collaborations and Getting Started – Key Community Links
Integrating Music Technology at KS3Octagon Music Hub Lead SchoolsCPD Tea Time Chat The Integration of Music Technology at KS3
Developing Composition in the Primary SchoolDorset Music ServiceDeveloping Composition in the Primary School
Interrelated Dimensions of MusicDorset Music ServiceInterrelated Dimensions of Music Presentation
Music and WellbeingDorset Music ServiceMusic and wellbeing CPD 10/2/26 Meeting
Yu Studio video courseDorset Music ServiceYu Studio Video Lessons for Students – Dorset Music Service   Yu Studio class set-up guide – Dorset Music Service
Music Education blogs and podcastsHosted by Dorset Music Online websiteMusic education blogs and podcasts – Dorset Music Service
Tips for teaching singingBBC teachGareth Malone: Singing tips for teaching in primary school – BBC Teach
How do I teach music if I’m not a musician?BBC teachTeaching music for EYFS and KS1 in primary school – Live CPD – BBC Teach
Music notation: the beginners guideCharangahttps://www.dorsetmusiconline.co.uk/cpd/73-music-notation-the-beginner-s-guide  
Teaching 5-7yr oldsCharangahttps://www.dorsetmusiconline.co.uk/cpd/category?category_id=3-teaching-5-7-year-olds  
Empowering music leads: Build subject understandingCharangahttps://www.dorsetmusiconline.co.uk/cpd/23-empowering-music-leads-build-subject-understanding
You Can! Use Yu StudioCharangahttps://www.dorsetmusiconline.co.uk/cpd/107-you-can-use-yustudio
Building skills across the school daySing UpDeveloping musicianship: Building skills across the school day | Sing Up

School Music Development Plans

Having watched these webinars, we hope you feel inspired to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the purpose and potential of music in your school. This is a valuable moment to revisit your School Music Development Plan, celebrate what’s working, and begin shaping your priorities for 2026–27 with clarity and confidence.

We would love to hear about your plans — sharing them helps strengthen our collective music community — and where possible, please remember to publish your SMDP on your school website to showcase your commitment to music for all.

If you would welcome some dedicated time and expert support, we’re delighted to offer a free support meeting to help you develop your 2026–27 SMDP. Simply drop us an email and we’ll be happy to arrange a meeting at a time that works for you.