BLACKPOOL MUSIC SERVICE (BMS) – Terms and Conditions 2026–2027
For the purpose of this agreement, the term Blackpool Music Service (BMS) refers to any tutors commissioned through BMS.
1. Safeguarding
Blackpool Music Service is committed to Safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of the children and young people we teach. We promote and engage safer working practices on the part of all our tutors in collaboration with Lancashire Music Hub.
- All tutors have been subject to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking procedures and eligibility-to-work checks.
- All tutors carry photo identification badges. DBS references for tutors are available upon request from the BMS office.
- All tutors receive annual Safeguarding training through Blackpool Council.
2. Quality Assurance
- All tutors are appointed through a rigorous recruitment process, which includes at least two years references of teaching in a school/children’s centre setting, an interview and teaching observation.
- In collaboration with Blackpool Council, all tutors are given access to regular, high-quality in‑service and external performance development training.
- Tutors receive an annual teaching observation as part of Blackpool Music Service’s pledge to schools regarding the delivery of excellent lessons.
3. Role and Responsibilities of the Tutor
Tutors are expected to:
- Implement and develop a suitable scheme of work in relation to the needs, ability, expectations and interests of each pupil.
- Provide tuition appropriate to pupils’ needs and abilities.
- Keep an up-to-date register of pupil attendance for whole-class, small group and 1–1 tuition.
- Maintain a record of pupil progress and achievement, completed by tutors, contributing to an annual pupil profile linked to the DfE annual return.
- Offer a performance opportunity for whole-class pupils through an end‑of‑term assembly.
- Provide opportunities for pupils to make and respond to music together in school and at BMS organised events, in line with the National Plan for Music Education.
- Conduct themselves professionally in line with Hub expectations.
4. Role and Responsibilities of the School
Schools should:
- Actively support whole-class tuition through the presence and engagement of the class teacher as an additional CPD opportunity.
- Provide appropriate support where challenging behaviour occurs to enable effective teaching.
- Ensure tutors have access to pupils’ EHCPs where relevant.
- Ensure BMS tutors are never left in isolation on the school premises.
- Attention must be given to before and after school sessions.
- A named school link must oversee Safeguarding measures (handover, dismissal, first aid procedures).
- Share relevant information with tutors, in confidence, regarding pupils’ medical, behavioural or academic needs.
- Provide suitable teaching locations and conditions.
Teaching spaces should include:
- Sufficient space appropriate to group size and instruments
- Visual access through a window or glass‑panelled door
- Sufficient chairs, tables and music stand
- Adequate heating, lighting and ventilation
- A magnetic whiteboard and where possible, a piano or keyboard
- Clear notices describing emergency exit procedures
- Proximity to classroom spaces and other adults
5. Number and Duration of Sessions
- 37 teaching sessions will be delivered between September 2026 and July 2027.
- Please note that the first week of delivery in September 2026 will take the form of a school visit and preparation of resources –no teaching will take place until the second week.
- In the case of staff absence, BMS and the tutor will endeavour to notify the school in advance and provide cover where possible.
- If cover cannot be provided, staff will attempt to rearrange the session. If this is not possible, the school will not be charged for the missed session.
- Where a school cancels a session at short notice (two weeks or less), they should attempt to rearrange with the tutor. If rearrangement is not possible, BMS will not provide a refund.
- Whole Class Teaching lessons are 60 minutes long, unless otherwise stated.
- Whole Class projects have a maximum of 32 children.
- A minimum of one term’s notice is required for reductions in teaching time.
- Any increase or decrease in teaching time will be negotiated and must be requested in writing via email to the BMS office. Please do not make any requests to change timetables through tutors.
6. Provision of Instruments for Instrumental Tuition
- BMS will provide instruments to support Whole Class Teaching delivery.
- Schools must sign and date the loan form for all instruments delivered.
- Where instruments are stored on school premises, the school is responsible for their security and will be liable for any loss or damage.
- Schools allowing pupils to take instruments home will issue a parental agreement letter to be signed (suggested template available on request from the BMS office).
- BMS must be informed of any instrument requiring repair.
7. Quality Control
- BMS values ongoing feedback from schools. Comments or complaints should be directed to: Janice Pounds, Head of Service (janice.pounds@blackpool.gov.uk)
- Complaints regarding lesson delivery should be made in writing by the Head Teacher.
- If upheld, BMS will refund the school, and the contract may be terminated by mutual agreement.
- Complaints regarding a school’s non‑compliance with these terms will be made in writing by Blackpool Music Service.
- If upheld, BMS reserves the right to terminate the agreement without notice.
8. Financial Arrangements
In the event of any future Covid lockdown, BMS will continue to invoice for the full termly amount, in line with DfE guidance, ensuring continuity of service and workforce protection.
From September 2026, invoices for the 37 weeks of provision will be issued at the end of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms.
Payment must be made within 28 days of the invoice date.
Any reimbursement for lost teaching time will be deducted from the termly invoice or journal.