NIPDS Secures Three-Year BBC Children in Need Funding to Support Special Schools Across Northern Ireland
Music. Inclusion. Community
The Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School (NIPDS) is delighted to announce that we have secured three years of funding from BBC Children in Need to deliver a programme of music education and participation with special schools across Northern Ireland.
This funding will allow NIPDS to build on our commitment to making music accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for children and young people of all abilities.
Over the three-year programme, NIPDS will work directly with special schools to provide engaging music sessions designed around the needs of their pupils. The project will create opportunities for children and young people to explore rhythm, percussion, piping and drumming in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Music can provide an important means of communication, creativity and self-expression, while also supporting confidence, coordination, listening skills and social interaction. The programme will focus on creating positive experiences of music for pupils who may not always have access to traditional instrumental tuition.
A key part of the project will also be supporting and developing teachers and school staff. Alongside direct delivery with pupils, NIPDS will provide a training element to help staff develop the confidence and skills to continue using music and rhythm-based activities within the school environment.
This approach means the impact of the programme can continue beyond individual sessions, helping schools to build music into their own learning and wellbeing activities.
For NIPDS, the project reflects our wider aim of ensuring that piping, drumming and traditional music are accessible to everyone. While our work is rooted in musical tradition, we are equally passionate about using music as a tool for inclusion, connection, confidence and creativity.
We are extremely grateful to BBC Children in Need for supporting this work and enabling us to develop a long-term programme with special schools across Northern Ireland.
Over the coming months, we will be sharing more about the schools involved, the tutors delivering the programme and the experiences of the children and young people taking part.
Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School
This project is supported by BBC Children in Need.
