Creating a Supportive Team Environment

Peripatetic Music teachers visit many schools which differ quite radically one from the other. It is often difficult for them to be fully aware of all the rules, regulations, strategies, conventions, idiosyncrasies and niceties of each school without mixing one up with another.

In order to minimise the detrimental effects of this we recommend the following:

• Try to ensure that visiting teachers are made welcome at school level and that they have relevant information:

• What to do on arrival:
  • Where do they sign in?
  • Who do they report to?
  • Where do they park/not park?
  • Where are the staff facilities/toilets?
  • Where is the teaching space?
  • Where do instrumental teachers collect registers from?

• It is essential that in advance of the term the following information is passed to KMS:
  • Accommodation availability form.
  • School closures: A school diary of events is always useful for this. Please give as much warning as possible especially if there are late amendments.
  • Dates of events (sports day, exams, Carol Service, concerts, open evening, trips, etc.
  • Availability of support and resources. For example any 'on-call' arrangements or referral procedures.
  • SEN information relevant to pupils in instrumental/vocal lessons, including any policies and relevant IEPs.
  • Background and medical information relevant to pupils in instrumental/vocal groups.

• (Music Co-ordinator/Head of Music) Try to take the opportunity to meet the visiting teachers on a regular basis. Brief, informal meetings will be sufficient. Ask about the progress of pupils and about the provision of accommodation etc.
• Try to involve KMS teachers in the celebration of pupils' classroom achievements.

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