Issue - meetings

(a)       That the developments of the Theatr Clwyd Music Trust, since its creation, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic be noted;

(b)       That the Committee is assured that the Theatr Clwyd Music Trust is positively and actively delivering on the National Music Service Plan for the benefit of children and young people in Flintshire; and

(c)       That a letter is sent, on behalf of the Committee, to all Headteachers to encourage schools to promote the delivery of the music service, specifically targeting children eligible for free school meals and looked after children.

The Chair welcomed Mr Liam Evans Ford, Executive Director of Theatr Clwyd and Mr Aled Marshman, Director of Music, Theatr Clwyd Music Trust to the meeting, who would be outlining how they and members of the Theatr Clwyd Music Trust worked to enhance the learning opportunities and experiences of students. 

The Chair added that being taught music and the skills of learning to play an instrument helped students to develop their language skills, reasoning skills, their sensitive and critical learning skills and could define motor skill development and  improve memory.  The creative and performance side of the subject together with a greater understanding of the role in music and history and contemporary society all add to a fuller education for a student.  As an authority Flintshire County Council were proactive in their efforts to ensure that every student had an opportunity to enhance their learning experience and promote their talents, regardless of who they were. This included students in receipt of a pupil grant awarded to schools to support students who were eligible for either free school meals or who were looked after.  This was a targeted grant given to overcome the barriers which may prevent a student from reaching his or her full potential.  

Mr. Liam Evans-Ford introduced a report to provide an update and overview of Theatr Clwyd Music Trust followingits first 18 months of delivery, as set against agreed principles of transfer in 2019from the Education Portfolio within the Council to Theatr Clwyd.  This transfer was designed to initially protect, but also to further enhance, the delivery of musiceducation services to the children and young people of Flintshire which was underthreat due to increasing financial pressures on the Council.

            Mr. Aled Marshman, in referring to the report, outlined the negative impact the Covid pandemic had had on music and the arts, with a 75% reduction in learners between March 2020 and May 2020.  Those students who had remained with the service reported on how important it had been to their health and wellbeing.  He provided background information on discussions held in September 2020 on the way forward with the decision taken to remain online for the year but this was challenging and the increase in numbers was slow.   In September 2021 returning to schools saw learner numbers doubling but the aim was to grow further to enable every student to have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of music both socially and culturally. 

Mr. Marshman provided detailed information on the scoping document, charging policy and the five ensembles, which had increased to eight following the increased numbers in September 2022.   More emphasis had been placed on the new starters to create an important journey for them and he provided information on the flexibility of the system in place for schools.  Information was also provided on the National Plan for Music Education in Wales which would support the Curriculum for Wales, especially in primary schools, with the focus on every year 3 child experiencing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44