Statement on Henley Review and Music Education

In order to keep the huge number of people who have contacted us informed about the future of Leicestershire's music service, we have produced the following statement in response to the recently published Henley Review.

The Henley review was commissioned by the Secretary of State Michael Gove, to review music education throughout the Country. As a result of his recommendations the Government is going to continue to fund music education via local authorities for another year whilst a National Plan for music education is established.

This is good news for Leicestershire and should see the County Council getting its share of the £82.5m from the Government grant. It is particularly pleasing for us as we have been lobbying Coalition Ministers since this issue was brought to light by concerned teachers, parents and students.

Moving forward there are a few things which we will be keeping an eye on, firstly the County Council's own review of the service. As the Council takes forward its review it will be important to ensure that continuity is maintained especially aspects of the service like the schools symphony orchestra. It is also vital that the £1m of income the service generates from parents is not undermined in anyway.

Whilst the Secretary of State has promised that no Local Authority will lose more than 10% of its funding for Music Education, this is only guaranteed for one year. We want to make sure that changes in music education policy do not undermine long standing local arrangements. It is crucial that the move to a National Funding Formula doesn't prevent the local authority from maintaining the service and preserving the good practice which has been the hallmark of the Leicestershire service for many years.

We will endeavour to keep those who have contacted us up to date over the coming months.