Those following our Twitter and Facebook streams on Wednesday night will know that the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel decided to reject the recommended option in relation to proposed changes to the Isle of Wight Music Service (IWMS).
In front of a packed public gallery, the panel heard questions from several members of the public. They included concerned residents, musicians, the former head of the IWMS and the current chair of the IW Music Centre.
Members of the panel were urged by the public to consider a fourth option (they’d been given three to comment on), which would ensure that the jobs of those working in the IWMS were protected (22 are facing possible redundancy).
Concern was also raised that the pupil premium (cash given to schools for each pupil) would be spent on staffing by the schools rather than be used for individual pupils needs.
Urged to reconsider commissioning model
The high standard of music education was praised and suggestions made that moving to a commissioning model (using teachers on an as-and-when basis) would result in teachers leaving the Island and a poorer quality of service the legacy for future education.
Members were also asked to consider deferring any decision until the Government had fully crystallised their plans.
Not making policy decision
Chair of the panel, Cllr George Cameron, was keen to stress that they were not making decisions on policy, just looking at the recommendations. This was reiterated by chief executive Steve Beynon and cabinet member, Cllr Dawn Cousins.
Cllr Cousins was asked to present the report, which she started by saying she’d received many representations from members of the public, verbally and by email. All comments would be considered, she said, adding that “no decision has been made.”
Overspend of £142,000
Steve Beynon covered the financial side, explaining that the IWMS was currently seeing an overspend in this financial year of £142,000, pointing out it couldn’t be sustained in future years and needed to be tackled.
He explained that although the council were bidding for the Island to become a ‘Music Hub’, the Music For Excellence Government grant was also being reduced by 60%.
If members were to consider alternatives, “it had to be a viable option”, he said.
Pugh offered to speak to Government
Cllr Pugh asked the panel whether they thought he should make further representations to Government around the levels of funding.
He acknowledged that he would not be able to influence any change in relation to the Music Hub, but suggested he may be able to put a case forward for more funding.
Reject option two
Cllr Paul Fuller explained that during his weekly surgery held on Tuesday, he’d had visits from many people concerned about the future of the IWMS and its staff.
He felt that removing the current structure of 22 peripatetic staff wouldn’t help the situation and would be detrimental to the future service. He stressed the importance of not losing the quality teaching staff to the mainland.
This was met with great applause from the public gallery.
Finishing off, Cllr Fuller called for users of the service to be involved in the final decision making, rather than it be made just by the Cabinet alone.
“We must live by our means”
Cllr Stewart told others that he felt the Island needed a sustainable music service and that “we must live by our means”.
He recognised he importance of keeping the Music Service, adding that it might be possible to do so in the same way as we had with the libraries – mentioning the use of volunteers.
People need to accept that we are in constraints of a budget framework, he said, indicating that he would support Option 2.
Teachers may not have the business acumen
David Miller (Parent Governor Representative) welcomed early sight of the paper prior to a Delegated Decision.
He spoke of the wider beneficiaries of the Music Service, expressing concern that many of the music teachers may not have the business acumen to be able to work through a commissioning model.
He suggested the use of focus groups to look for a viable way forward prior to consultation and said that he would not support the recommended option.
Views shared by other parent Governor
Sara Sheath (Parent Governor Representative) concurred with Mr Miller’s comments and was keen to ensure parental views on proposed changes are encouraged through the use of school newsletters.
A cut in money shouldn’t just mean a cut in the service
Cllr Howe praised the Music Centre for the “wonderful system”, he shared the wider benefits of what is offered, not just music tuition but building confidence, nurturing team work and the positive impact it has on young people.
He concluded by saying that we should be looking at better ways of doing things, not just accepting that a cut in money means a cut in the service.
Cllr Taylor supported option 2
Cllr Gary Taylor asked for Cllr Cousins to report back to the Panel at the July meeting and encouraged Cllr Pugh to go to Westminster to lobby the Government for more funding.
He said that he would support Option 2.
Youth councillors condemn cuts
Youth Councillors who’d been invited to take part in the meeting shared their views.
Atalanta Hersey believed it would be disastrous if the IWMS was scrapped. She explained how it enabled young people to form relationships outside of school and that it brought young people of all ages and backgrounds together.
This was met with strong applause from the public gallery.
Alec Webb told the meeting that the IWMS was socially important, it broke down barriers between generations, he said, going on to add that not all young people are into sports – where you learn about team work – so the IWMS played a vital role in encouraging team and social building.
He finished by saying that having musical experience helps greatly with University applications.
Alternative option proposed
Cllr Fuller put forward a motion to continue with the bid for funding. He wished to ensure that all direct employees are maintained and that a commissioning model is not considered until after the consultation.
His motion was quickly seconded by Cllr Howe.
Steve Beynon said that he couldn’t take the service forward with the current overspend unless the schools commissioning the service guarantee they have enough students using it from September.
Looking directly at Cllr Howe, he said, the more schools who leave the authority’s control, the less flexibility they have. He confirmed that the IWC would consult before a decision is made and that he could contact Phil Jackson (?) to arrange focus group meetings.
Review staffing in six months?
Once again Cllr Fuller suggested his alternative option, which was met with shakes of the head by Cllr Cousins.
Cllr Fuller continued stating that staffing should be reviewed in six months time.
Mr Miller called for wider scope on the types of commissioning models considered, advising that the IWC should not be prescribing just one particular model.
Put to the vote
After discussions on how the motion should be amended, members of the panel voted in favour of
- Continuing with the bid to become a Music Hub
- Cllr Pugh seek further funding from Government
- Consultation to be launched
- Paper to go to Cabinet with wider range of options within budget constraints and return to the Panel in July
Steve Beynon confirmed that he would have to declare to staff that they may be at risk of redundancy in September.
