Agenda item

The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing gave an overview of the report and drew members’ attention to the recent and ongoing achievements of the Music Service.

The following observations/questions were raised on the report:

In answer to a question on the shortfall which was noted in the report as having reduced over previous years, the Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised that the previous year’s shortfall was £147,000 and could be considered as related to the core funding element of the service’s finances.

Members asked for further information in relation to the integration of the Music Service within the new curriculum and its effect on future provision. The Music Service Coordinator advised that some guidance had already been released and many of the areas covered by Expressive Arts are already in place, however it was unclear whether further guidance would be given by the Welsh Government. The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised that there are a few fields within Expressive Arts that require cross subject skills. Several local authorities have placed Music within Expressive Arts, possibly in order to attract more grant funding, others have included Music within Humanities. It was noted that each of these models have potential and risk attached, however if further guidance is received from Welsh Government the situation could be very different in six to nine months. It was also noted that the Welsh Government were withholding funding to employ a consultancy to improve provision across Wales, with a remit to improve access and to look at existing best practice, this could further shape the future of the service.

Whilst acknowledging the confines of the budget, Members asked for clarification on costs passed on to pupils and the advice given to schools in relation to costs. The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised that pupils are charged varying amounts e.g. £30 per term, which included ensembles and lessons. Pupils who qualify for Free Schools Meals (FSM) and pupils who are studying towards GCSE or A Level Music are not charged. However, some schools do not pass on charges to pupils. The Music Service Coordinator acknowledged that schools could source music lessons at a lower rate from external sources, but it would not include ensemble, orchestra and residential courses. Through charging for music lessons schools and the service has seen an improvement in attendance, practice and development. The Director of Education and Children’s Services advised that the decision to pass on charges, or not, was a matter for each Governing Body; they can be advised by the Music Service but the decision lies with each individual school. £86,289 was made available by the Welsh Government to support and enhance music provision within any one of nine possible areas, of which FSM Support was one area. The Director acknowledged that schools could benefit from clearer guidance in relation to charges and their application.

Members asked whether anything further could be done to encourage participation. The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised that there already programmes in place to encourage broader participation, including a Music for All pilot, and the Peripatetic Music Tour. The service had also engaged with Heol Goffa on Music Therapy programmes. It was acknowledged by Members that Music enriched other areas of education and supported the wellbeing of pupils of all ages.

In response to a question on whether the Music Service had worked with the TIC Team to identify efficiencies, the Music Service Coordinator advised that they had not started a review yet, although some work had been done to develop Parent Pay to reduce processing work.

The Executive Board Member for Education and Children thanked the Music Service for the work undertaken and noted the significant successes at the recent Urdd National Eisteddfod. The Executive Board Member advised that he was willing to accept any overspend, in order to support the work of the Music Service. The Committee noted their agreement that service should continue, whilst acknowledging the overspend.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that

5.1     the report be received

5.2     the Executive Board sufficiently support the service financially, in order to continue and maintain the current standard of service

5.3     consideration be given to providing Governing Bodies with clearer guidance in relation to charging for use of the Music Service, particularly in relation to pupils in receipt of Free School Meals

5.4     the Music Service should be supported by the TIC team to identify efficiencies