Agenda item

The Director of Education & Safeguarding introduced this report to the Panel. He informed them that the co-author of the report Simon Lock, North Somerset Council was also present and that he had been supporting the B&NES Hub for the past 9 months.

He said that he felt that the service was in a much better place now than it had been previously and that in general terms the DfE were looking to increase the footprint size of the service.

He stated that the proposal is for the B&NES Music Service to join a West of England Music (and Arts) Alliance; a tri-hub music alliance (shared service) between B&NES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to secure and take forward the existing work of B&NES Music Service. He added that a consultation on these proposals will be carried out.

Simon Lock commented that the proposal would follow a national formula, broaden the vision of the service and aim to give provision to 0 – 25 years of age.

Councillor Joanna Wright asked how the age range of 0 – 5 would be consulted. She said that it is a most important service and should be retained.

Simon Lock replied that this would be done by seeking the views of parents. He added that the intention is to unify the services, to have a shared strategic overview and reduce back office costs.

The Director of Education & Safeguarding commented that officers feel passionate about the service and can see the value that combining their work will have.

Simon Lock added that there was no anticipated reduction in frontline management and that through this process it was hoped that workforce development would be enhanced.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked given the proposals contained in the paper, is it realistic to expect the B&NES surplus to remain static over the next two years and how can we ensure that any surplus generated in B&NES is used to support our priorities. She added that given the low level of surplus in B&NES relative to the other local authorities, will we find it more difficult to have our voice heard in this proposed new arrangement.

Simon Lock replied that the delivery of the service at present is quite traditional through schools, music centres and some events and these are the elements the budget is based upon. He added that if used jointly the surplus that is generated by all three Local Authorities can help deliver better and more impactful programmes that can directly support the wider priorities for each Local Authority.

He said that the basis of the Alliance is that it is an equal partnership with an equal voice and a shared governance.

Councillor Ruth Malloy commented that the partnership was a sensible idea and said that the offer from it needs to inclusive to as many pupils as possible. She asked if any specific consideration had been given to deaf pupils.

Simon Lock replied that inclusivity was at the core of their work and there was SEND work in place across the Council.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i)  Be assured that key areas of weakness in the delivery of the service, highlighted in previous PDS reports have been addressed and that the service now needs to have its future secured for the long term

ii)  Agree the proposal for B&NES Music Service to join a West of England Music (and Arts) Alliance; a tri-hub music alliance (shared service) between B&NES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to secure and take forward the existing work of B&NES Music Service

iii)  Be assured that consultation will take place on the future direction of the service with key stakeholders, including schools & families. A Tri-Hub alliance involving B&NES would very much be welcomed by the existing partnership of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire council stakeholders.