Musicians Union asks Government to do more for education

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has issued a report calling on the Government to work with Ofsted to ensure that schools recognize the importance of music education. The report has been published today in response to the November Ofsted report on the progress of Music Education Hubs in England following extensive research with MU members working in Hubs.

Diane Widdison, MU National Organiser for Education and Training says: “Ofsted’s criticism of the progress made in music education demonstrates that the Government needs to do more to implement the National Music Plan. The completely unrealistic time-frame which was imposed on music services to recreate themselves as music education hubs last year, compounded by cuts within local authorities alongside the statutory grant, has made it impossible for hubs to fulfill the aspirations of the Plan”.

Diane goes on to say ” Although many music hubs are making great efforts to make the new system work, until the Government ensures that all schools engage with them, musical opportunities for young people will continue to be a postcode lottery. Our report concentrates on the workforce, who we represent, and how they have been negatively impacted by the changes resulting in many job losses or an erosion of terms and conditions. We also raise concerns about the opportunities and access for pupils to music education and what effect this will have on the musicians of the future”.

To read the full report please contact: info@BecomeAMusicTeacher.com.