Further to OnTheWight’s report published earlier today on the Executive decision regarding the Isle of Wight Music Service, this in from the council. In their own words.
The decision will provide an extra academic year for a restructure of the Isle of Wight Music Service – the hub’s major delivery partner and a council service – to realise efficiency savings and plan fully for the future of the service.
The decision to give extended time for the new-look hub and service was agreed yesterday (Tuesday) by the council’s Executive.
Executive member for children’s services and education, Councillor Richard Priest, said:
“This is a decision which has taken account of the valuable feedback we have received from the many people who are passionate about the Island’s music service.
“The recent consultation we held resulted in a variety of constructive business proposals, but as some arose after the consultation deadline, we have taken further time to develop the proposals.
“I would like to thank those who have contributed to the ongoing discussions we have held, especially those closely involved with the service – and council chairman, Councillor Ian Ward, for his important role in developing the way forward.
“The service is highly valued throughout the Island – and this was reflected in the strength of feeling many people have shown as we have planned for its future.
“It is well-documented that the council is facing a hugely challenging financial position over the next three years – but despite this, we have endeavoured to develop a way forward to continue to deliver and to enhance high quality music provision for the Island.”
Extra time to develop hub
The recommendation agreed by the council provides extra time to develop the new-look hub and music service – and takes account of the latest feedback.
The intention is to develop a sustainable self-funding thriving music offer for the Island, via the hub, emphasising the wealth of talent and expertise among the musicians on the Isle of Wight.
The council consultation during March and April gathered views on how the music service could be delivered into the future. It was clear from the consultation that there was a desire for children and young people to continue to receive quality music education. The ensemble activities available through the Island’s music centre were also highly valued.
A sustainable model to be created
Over the next year, in preparation for the launch in September 2015, the council will work with its hub partners to develop a sustainable model for the delivery of the hub and ensure the continuance and development of opportunities for music tuition to young people across the Island.
Councillor Priest added:
“Music can play a hugely significant and positive role in the personal development of our young people – and over the coming year or so the new-look hub will be developed to build on the existing quality provision, and deliver an enhanced and reinvigorated service long into the future.”
Partnerships
The Isle of Wight Music Education Hub is a partnership of many different music groups, with the council’s Isle of Wight Music Service (currently the hub’s major delivery partner and a council service) employing the music teachers who work in schools across the Island.
The hub is overseen by a board comprising representatives of the member groups (including young people) and has an independent chairman.
The Isle of Wight Council acts as the responsible body for administering the Department for Education (DfE) grant, which together with income from fees is the main source of funding for the service. The council has also been underwriting year-on-year overspends on the service.
Reduced grant
The DfE grant to the hub has reduced for 2014/2015 – which combined with the council being unable to continue to underwrite the overspends on the service, has led to development of the new-look for the music hub and service.
For 2014/2015, the council will work with hub partners to meet the funding gap of approximately £240,000 in the music service budget, together with a further half-year to reflect the pattern of funding in academic years. Council funding will cease from 31 August 2015.
