Kisharon Noé School Launches Groundbreaking Music Programme with Electric Umbrella

As part of an inspiring ongoing partnership, pupils at Wohl Campus, Kisharon Noé School, a Loftus Learning Centre are taking part in a transformative two-year music programme in collaboration with national charity Electric Umbrella and with funding from Youth Music. This innovative partnership brings a unique, person-centred music experience to 30 pupils, culminating in each student receiving a recognised music qualification from Trinity College London Awards and Certificates in Musical Development.

Importantly, Kisharon Noé School is the only Jewish school in the country to be selected for this prestigious programme and receive funding through Youth Music, which is a testament to the school’s pioneering work in inclusive education.

Having worked together for several years through Electric Umbrella’s ‘Music Machine’ broadcasts and creative workshops, this new phase represents a deepening of the relationship between Kisharon Noé School and Electric Umbrella. The programme is tailored specifically for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with a focus on creativity, communication and confidence-building.

Throughout the two-year initiative, Electric Umbrella’s professional team, which includes both professional and learning-disabled musicians, will deliver regular, interactive music workshops at the school. The sessions are fully inclusive, built around the musical interests and developmental needs of each child, and designed to engage pupils in a joyful and empowering way.

“I’m so proud to be partnering with Electric Umbrella to deliver their Youth Music programme at Kisharon Noé School,” said Adina Collins, Headteacher at Kisharon Noé School and trustee of Electric Umbrella. “The pupils gain so much from seeing the EU members thriving and leading their sessions and being absolute role models to the SEND community. It’s also been amazing to have the opportunity to enhance our music provision, as it’s something that so many of our pupils benefit from – both from an educational and therapeutic perspective.”

Adina Collins became a trustee of Electric Umbrella following the school’s partnership with the charity. She was introduced to the organisation by Paul Lewis, a Kisharon Langdon parent and Head of Marketing at Electric Umbrella. Paul’s son, Max Lewis, is a supported living tenant at Kisharon Langdon and also a proud member of the Electric Umbrella band – reflecting the deep and meaningful connections between the charity and the wider Kisharon Langdon community.

The Trinity College qualifications are based on observed developmental progress rather than formal exams, making them accessible to all students, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. As students engage with music in workshops and performances, their growth is recorded and submitted as evidence toward their certification.

“This programme is not just about music – it’s about meaningful engagement, self-expression, and celebrating achievement in a way that has rarely been possible for learning-disabled young people,” said Claire, Electric Umbrella’s Head of Education. “It’s music education reimagined, and we’re honoured to be delivering it at Kisharon Noé School.”

Jonathan, one of Electric Umbrella’s learning-disabled musicians, said: “I love introducing the students to the different instruments and giving them the chance to play them. We can get people out of their comfort zone and that builds confidence.”

The partnership with Electric Umbrella and Youth Music reflects Kisharon Langdon’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion, and empowering every pupil to realise their full potential.