The Nucleo Project is transforming the lives of approximately 300 children disadvantaged in North Kensington, one of the poorest areas in the country. Underpinned by the latest academic research, our project improves the personal, social and academic outcomes of these young people dramatically through intense after-school music lessons four times a week. To help everyone, we need to provide musical instruments to those who cannot afford them – home practice is an integral part of the programme. In addition, there is other equipment, such as music stands, that we need to provide. Lucy Maguire, who set up The Nucleo Project after studying and teaching the world-famous El Sistema in Venezuela, takes great care when choosing what to buy. Particular attention is paid to cost and value-for-money. Our children are winning medals in national competitions and everyone taking exams got a Merit or Distinction last year. Please help us continue developing this inspiring success story.

What we'll deliver:

• We will provide free instruments to those who need them
• We will continue helping more children, aiming eventually to support 400 young people

Why it's a great idea:

Professor Susan Hallam MBE of UCL Institute of Education identified seven ingredients of a successful musical programme. We are delighted to note that we meet all of them: early exposure; long-term engagement; group work; opportunities to perform; high-quality teaching; a broad curriculum; and a relatable genre. What this means in practice is that the children and young people gain a variety of advantages: 1.Positive personal traits grow - Self-esteem, confidence, self-regulation and conscientiousness increase in every child. 2.Social skills are developed - Co-operation, belongingness, relationships, taking turns, teamwork and helping others are some of the socialisation abilities developed. 3. Attainment increases - Our high-quality musical activities affect the children’s aspirations which enhance motivation and subsequently attainment. 4. Social mobility increases - Regular, disciplined music practice from a very young age set these children on an upward life path.

Steps to get it done:

• Buying the musical items
• Number of children participating in The Nucleo Project
• Number of children winning awards or gaining qualifications

There are two main ways that we will ensure that this project is run well – the strength of our management team and the evaluation tools we use. We have an active board of trustees and management team, which is supported by a team of teachers, pastoral and logistical assistants and volunteers. Lucy Maguire, the Chief Executive, is a graduate of music who has been teaching for many years. In 2015 she was named as one of the Southbank Centre’s ‘Change-makers’. We use evaluation tools provided by Youth Music Evaluation Builder and Sistema England. This confirms that our musical success is coupled with enhanced social and well-being skills, such as increased motivation and self-esteem. It is not surprising that we cannot support all of the families that wish to take part despite no promotion. Fully funded we will be able to help more local people.