Associates for Wiltshire

Associates Overview

Associates are individuals and organsations listed in our Directory (also referred to as Providers). Key points to understand:

Nature of Association
– Associates are not Swindon Music Service employees or contractors
– Swindon Music Service is not an agency
– Our role is to quality assure their work, connect them to schools, and offer professional development

Directory Composition
– Not all individual Associates are qualified music teachers
– Associates may have diverse skills supporting young people’s musical development
– Not all organisational Associates are exclusively music organisations
– Music forms at least part of their regular professional offering

Quality Assurance Process

All Associate individuals and organisations must complete:

1. Preliminary Engagement
– Surgery meeting or phone consultation with Swindon Music Service team – to arrange a surgery, contact: pclark@smscio.co.uk
– Detailed written Associate status application

2. Comprehensive Interview
A panel assessment examining:
– Music teaching/leading practice
– Lesson and project planning skills
– Assessment and evaluation capabilities
– Child protection and safeguarding knowledge
– Professional development commitment

3. Mandatory Documentation
– Approved Child Protection training (initial and three-yearly refresher for individuals)
– Current Child Protection Policy
– Enhanced DBS check with annual update service (individuals)
– Staff DBS checking policy (organisations)
– Current Public Liability Insurance

Additional Verification
– Detailed written references from at least two professional contacts

Professional Development
Swindon Music Service offers subsidised professional development opportunities, including training days and mentoring schemes for Associates and the broader music education community.

Important Note
Schools and learners can only access subsidies and instrument hire through our Associate Directory.