Decision details

The proposal is for the development of a single Music Education Hub for the Local Authority Areas of Sefton and Knowsley. The creation of a single Music Education Hub across Sefton and Knowsley will improve the range, quality and impact of music education opportunities for children and young people across the two Local Authority Areas by harnessing complementary strengths.

A single music education hub for Sefton and Knowsley brings an economy of scale and therefore cost efficiencies. For example, the joint commissioning of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Schools and Families which provided details of proposals for the development of a single Music Education Hub for the Local Authority Areas of Sefton and Knowsley.

Decision Made: That

(1)       approval be given to Option 3 set out in the report, to develop the SKY Music Hub (Sefton and Knowsley Youth Music Hub) as the single Music Hub for the two Local Authority Areas, with Sefton Council acting as the Lead Hub organisation for a trial period up until 31^st March 2017; and

(2)       officers be granted authority authority to enter a Partnership Agreement for the joint Music Hub with Knowsley MBC.

Reasons for Decision:

The creation of a single Music Education Hub across Sefton and Knowsley would improve the range, quality and impact of music education opportunities for children and young people across the two Local Authority Areas by harnessing complementary strengths.

A single music education hub for Sefton and Knowsley would bring economies of scale and therefore cost efficiencies. For example, the joint commissioning of Continuing Professional Development.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Option One - Status Quo. This would mean that (compared with Option 3) there would be fewer opportunities for children and young people and a less comprehensive offer of CPD (Continual Professional Development) for teachers in schools.

Option Two - A wider regional partnership, such as the North West or Merseyside had been considered, but there was not yet a state of readiness amongst all potential partners.