Agenda item

(a)       That the progress made on implementation of the revised operating model for the School Music Service be noted;

(b)       That the Committee receive an update report, to include information on the number of pupils who had requested tuition but had given up after a short period of time, at the end of the academic year; and

(c)        That the Committee request that the Schools Music Service consider providing “taster sessions” to pupils.

The Secondary Schools Officer introduced a report to update the Committee on progress in developing the Flintshire Music School operating model approved by Cabinet in 2013.  He provided background information and advised that all schools had identified their service needs for 2013-14, although five primary schools had chosen not to participate in the service.   Participating schools had increased their “order” for hours of tuition and had chosen from the wider range of opportunities offered.  In addition there had also been some requests for Music Service staff to conduct school ensembles and choirs.

During discussion the Secondary Schools Officer responded to the questions and concerns expressed by members concerning the remit of the Music Service, in-service training for teachers, and the implications for schools if insufficient pupils committed to places.   Councillor Dave Mackie asked if an update report on the Service  could be submitted to the Committee at the end of the academic year which included the number of pupils who had requested tuition but had given up after a short period of time.

Councillor Ian Dunbar commented on the difficulties encountered by schools around the non-payment of fees for tuition and the additional administrative burden imposed on schools as a result.  The Secondary Schools Officer acknowledged the issue and explained that schools had to balance their budgets and to this end should request payment in advance.  He advised that the remissions process supported families with learners receiving Free School Meals.    

Councillor Stella Jones sought clarification on the role and  appointment of a part time Business Manager.  The Director of Lifelong Learning advised that the post was being kept under review in light of the current financial restraints. 

Mrs Rebecca Stark commented on the provision of tuition and asked how the number of hours that children received were monitored.  The Secondary Schools Officer advised that each lesson was recorded and information fed back into the Music Service.  The Secondary Schools Officer also responded to the further concerns raised by Mrs. Stark around the legal validity of the forms of agreement which should be personalised by schools and then sent to parents, and on the deferment of the Summer music exams until November 2013.  

Mrs. Stark asked if consideration could be given to providing “taster sessions” to pupils who wanted to learn a musical instrument to help them to decide if they wanted to receive lessons.    She suggested that this facility may also assist with the problem of non payment of fees as some parents may be reluctant to pay for music lessons in advance unless their child made a commitment.    

Councillor Amanda Bragg referred to provision for “gifted” pupils and also asked if any financial support was made available for parents if they were unable to pay the annual tuition fees.  The Secondary Schools Officer reiterated the support process provided to families with learners who received Free School Meals. 

RESOLVED

 (a)      That the progress made on implementation of the revised operating model for the School Music Service be noted;

(b)       That the Committee receive an update report, to include information on the number of pupils who had requested tuition but had given up after a short period of time, at the end of the academic year; and

(c)        That the Committee request that the Schools Music Service consider providing “taster sessions” to pupils.