Approved Tutors

Being an Approved Tutor

As a YMH Approved Tutor you have a direct impact on young people’s lives through music. You play a vital role in the development of young people, not just musically but personally as well. You help students build discipline, patience, and confidence through regular practice and performance. Instrumental tutors often become mentors, offering guidance and support that goes beyond just learning an instrument. By encouraging creativity and self-expression, instrumental tutors create a safe space for young people to explore their emotions and build their own sense of identity.

Your influence can inspire a lifelong love for music and even shape future careers, making you an essential part of a young person’s growth and education.

The Approved Tutor Passport

A YMH Approved Tutor plays a central role in the provision of instrumental or vocal tuition. It is vital that the tutor, pupil, parents, carers and school staff fully realise the range of skills and qualifications required by an instrumental or vocal tutor to deliver effective lessons. York Music Hub supports all school staff to ensure the best quality tutors are delivering for children and young people in their school. Therefore, to become and remain an Approved Tutor for YMH, we expect all tutors meet the demands of our Approved Tutor Passport each year fulfilling the below six criteria:

Approved Tutor Passport Criteria

To hold an enhanced DBS for the child workforce and maintain an active subscription to the DBS update service
Safeguarding certificate updated bi-annually, plus annual updates *
Attendance at two CPD events provided by YMH (September and April / May) or proof of attendance at other relevant CPD agreed in discussion with YMH
Acknowledgement of self-reflective practice through various means to suit tutor
Submission of registers for bursary pupils to YMH each term, where applicable
Support with transition documentation during summer term for pupils moving school

In return for completion of the passport, YMH will ensure you receive a certificate of assurance each term via email, to present to each school.

DBS – YMH will pay for an initial DBS, thereafter, it is expected that all Approved Tutors add their certificate tothe update service. The annual subscription is £16 paid for by the tutor. New DBS certificates must be added tothe update service within 30 days If tutors do not sign up to the update service they may apply for a new DBSthrough York Music Hub at their own expense (currently £62).

Safeguarding -Time will be allocated to completing ‘Safeguarding in Music Education’ during CPD training inSeptember. While we know the CYSCP is adequate for schools, we strongly encourage all instrumental teachersto complete Music Mark by Smart Horizons.

Smart Horizons ‘Safeguarding in Music Education’

Developed alongside Music Mark by Smart Horizons
Costs £30 – YMH will supply the course free to Approved Tutors every two years
Takes around 2/3 hours to complete
The certificate is valid for two years

*Safeguarding certificates provided by schools and the CYSCP are also acceptable.

York Music Hub Conduct Guidance for Approved Tutors

For Professionalism, Approved Tutors should:

Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times by adhering to this guidance
Encourage progress commensurate with the ability of the pupil
Use praise to recognise effort and promote self confidence in all pupils
Regularly communicate with Hub partners, schools and parents
Become familiar with current developments in all aspects of instrumental education
Be aware of relevant professional bodies and organisations

For Planning and Assesment, Approved Tutors should:

Deliver well prepared and progressive lessons
Use continuous diagnostic and formative assessment to inform their teaching
Record pupils progress and report annually to parents

For Teaching and Learning, Approved Tutors should:

Use a range of teaching approaches to make lessons enjoyable, challenging and productive
Structure lessons to suit pupils’ abilities
Devise and implement strategies which can accommodate group tuition
Promote good practice habits
Set realistic tasks during lessons and for home practice
Expect pupils’ achievements to reflect their abilities
Encourage pupils’ development of constructive self criticism
Provide opportunities for pupils to perform and listen to others
Encourage pupils to perform in a variety of musical ensembles at all levels

For Interaction with pupils, Approved Tutors should:

Encourage ways to instil good habits to promote and maintain pupil interest and motivation
Regularly discuss short and long term targets on an individual basis
Give clear instructions and explanations
Define and communicate their expectations of achievement and standards
Listen to pupils and take account of their personal needs
Maintain good order and discipline and safeguard health and safety
Remind pupils of the social values and benefits of learning to play an instrument

For Organisation and administration, Approved Tutors should:

Be efficient in the administration required for the delivery of instrumental lessons
Maintain good levels of communication with York Music Hub and the school or music centre
Expect pupils to maintain a satisfactory level of attendance
Maintain a register for pupil attendance
Investigate absences and take appropriate action in accordance with school policy
Ensure that loaned instruments are well maintained and give appropriate advice regarding maintenance or
repairs

The school or centre should:

Approved tutors should expect the following from the schools or music centres that you work in:

Provide a safe and appropriate place to conduct the instrumental lessons
Where possible – give advance notice of any events coming up that will have an impact on lessons (eg school trips, exams or special assemblies, etc)
Should support or assist in the selection of pupils for instrumental tuition as required and promote
instrumental lessons and encourage up-take
Offer performance opportunities to instrumental pupils whenever possible
Support and follow up pupil absences when needed
As part of the school workforce, schools should encourage a welcoming and supportive environment for instrumental teachers and encourage instrumental teachers to take part in school music events when
possible.
Monitor effective learning and teaching in instrumental lessons and support the assessment tools used by the
instrumental teacher
Liaise with York Music Hub if any issues or concerns arise or to celebrate success.
Identify pupils’ needs and liaise with instrumental staff accordingly
Encourage instrumental pupils to participate in Hub events and area ensembles

York Music Hub should:

As an Approved Tutor, we believe that it is reasonable that you can expect the following from York Music Hub:

Ensure the quality of the service provided
Be responsible for the selection of and appointment of Approved Tutors
Ensure all Approved Tutors have a full Approved Tutors Passport (please see above for the 6 passport requirements)
Organise professional development opportunities and in-service training for instrumental staff
Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning in instrumental lessons
Provide ongoing safeguarding training
Provide opportunities for Approved Tutor Network
Work in partnership with internal and external stakeholders
Liaise and communicate with schools, on issues of service delivery
Develop policies that offer equality of access to all pupils
Establish procedures to assess demand

A Common Approach (Music Mark)

What is it?

A Curriculum for Vocal and Instrumental teaching.

Who has developed this?

Music Mark (An association for Music Education) first published in 2002, relaunch in 2022

Who is it aimed towards?

Individual, small group and whole class instrumental teaching

What ability group?

It is a progressive resource for all abilities

What instruments?

Currently 15 different instrumental families, including iPad / technology & DAW

To find out more about A Common Approach please visit the Music Mark website.

Reflective Practice

Suggested Reflective Practice Template

To fulfil the Approved Tutors Passport fully, a Reflective Practice support lesson should be completed Bi-annually by
peer support or YMH staff member if requested. This is a way to help and support further progression in your
delivery of tuition. We all strive to further enhance the support and tuition to the children and young people you
are teaching.