Issue - meetings

Report DCYP12028

The Portfolio Holder outlined a report providing an update on the publication of the Department for Education’s National Plan for Music and the introduction of new arrangements for funding Music Education, and introduced Mr Michael Purton, Principal of Bromley Youth Music Trust.  Mr Purton explained that the National Plan for Music aimed to transform the way music was delivered to schools by funding music education hubs that brought together local authorities and music organisations to work in partnership to ensure every child had a high-quality music education.  Bromley Youth Music Trust had agreed to act as the lead partner in the Bromley Music Hub, and had formed the Music Education Partnership Group to provide the broad range of expertise and resource necessary to support the development of a submission to the Department for Education and the Arts Council for England by the deadline of 17^th February 2012. 

In considering the report, the Chairman highlighted the potential for the Bromley Music Hub to access a wide range of funding streams as well as potentially developing sold services to other boroughs.  The Principal confirmed that work with other boroughs was being explored and that a professional fundraiser was being employed to develop a plan for income generation for the Hub.

A Member noted that music groups and the Bromley Youth Music Trust should be encouraged to make use of the concert hall at Langley Park Boys School where appropriate.  The Principal confirmed that an agreement with Langley Park Boys School around use of the concert hall was currently being progressed.

A Co-opted Member was concerned that Special Schools Head teachers and Music Therapists had not been included in the consultation undertaken prior to submission of the Bromley Music Hub bid.  The Principal explained that the application had concentrated on reporting existing services that Bromley Youth Music Trust provide, but that a full audit of all music education services in the Borough would be undertaken during the first six months of the Hub.  Riverside School would also be approached to join Bromley Music Hub.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1)  Note the publication of the DfE’s national Plan for Music and the introduction of new funding arrangements to support Music Education;

2)  Endorse the steps being taken by the Council and Bromley Youth Music Trust to secure funding under the new arrangements;

3)  Note the reduction in the Bromley Youth Music Trust contract fee for 2012/13 and 2013/14 as a contribution towards overall savings that the Council is required to make following the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review of November 2010; and

4)  Note the activity being undertaken by Bromley Youth Music Trust to secure funding to offset the impact of a reduction in the level of funding from the Council.