UK Music Chief Executive is calling on the Government to take urgent
action to help students whose music education was badly hit by
Covid-19.
The call comes as pupils in England return to school today
(Monday) after the huge disruption to the music education of
thousands of young people.
The impact of a series of lockdowns has meant music education has
been severely curtailed for tens of thousands of young people -
with many not even able to continue music lessons online.
Njoku-Goodwin is now urging Prime Minister and Education Secretary to deliver
on their 2019 manifesto pledge to spend £109 million a year on an
Arts Premium for secondary school pupils by September 2021.
He argued that the Government should put music education “front
and centre” to help support the talent pipeline of the
world-leading music industry, and boost the mental wellbeing of
many young people.
In December, education watchdog Ofsted warned many primary
schools had suspended music education and were not even offering
remote lessons.
Njoku-Goodwin said the need to help children catch up on their
music education meant it was vital the Arts Premium was delivered
this year as promised. The funding would help schools to provide
high quality arts programmes and extra-curricular activities for
pupils - including those delivered with arts organisations - as
well as supporting teachers to deliver engaging and creative
lessons in the arts.
He also urged Education Secretary to publish
his long-awaited National Plan for Music Education to encourage
music in schools and help nurture the talent pipeline on which
the music industry depends.
UK Music Chief Executive said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on children’s
learning and music education has been amongst the hardest hit. As
children return to school, it’s mission critical that music
education is put front and centre of the efforts to catch-up.
“It’s vital that all children have a good musical education – not
just because of the positive benefits on other subjects, or the
important mental health and wellbeing impacts, but because the
UK’s world-leading music industry relies on a strong talent
pipeline. That pipeline has been badly damaged over the past
year, and so it’s imperative we now do what we can to protect and
strengthen it.
“Delivering the 2019 manifesto commitment for an Arts Premium
would help schools deliver the high quality music education that
children deserve.
“The UK music industry is a key national asset that generates
billions for the economy every year and boosts our global
reputation. It relies on nurturing emerging talent – so
strengthening that crucial talent pipeline is undoubtedly in our
national interest.
UK Music’s Director of Education and Skills, Dr Oliver Morris,
said:
“We must ensure Covid doesn’t sound the death knell for music in
schools and we urge the government to act decisively to protect
it.
“Music has the power to provide a lot of positivity in these
difficult times as well as assist pupils in their reintroduction
to school life. It is also often at the cutting edge of
innovation.
“Now is the time for the Government to demonstrate its support
for teachers, school leaders, music services and hubs and
community music organisations.
“Music must remain a part of school life so no matter what a
pupil’s socio-economic or geographical situation it is accessible
to all.”
In February, the Government announced the appointment of Sir
as the
government’s “education recovery commissioner”. He has been
charged with overseeing “a comprehensive programme of catch-up
aimed at young people who have lost out on learning due to the
pandemic”.
The Government has said it will provide £300 million to provide
more catch-up funding for schools, but teachers are awaiting
details.
According to research carried out in October 2020 by Music Mark,
which represents music education services and hubs, 84% of their
members were working in fewer schools than at the same time in
2019.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Ofsted confirms damage to music education (Dec 2020):
https://www.thestrad.com/news/ofsted-confirms-damage-to-music-education-from-covid-19/11582.article
Government outlines plans for Arts Premium:
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/boris-johnson-s-conservative
Music Mark is the body that represents Music Education Services
and Hubs, their teaching and support teams; schools; individuals;
NYMOS; HE/FE bodies; Hub and Corporate Partners. Research can be
seen here:
https://www.musicmark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Music-Mark-October-Survey-Full-Report-on-Music-in-Schools.pdf
