Bursary and Transport Policies

Bursary and Transport Policies

Bursary Schemes

Currently the service provides three bursary schemes to support young people and children in schools who are learning with the local authority music service. This support is funded by the music service and meets the DCSF guidance on remissions and support for music in schools. It minimises pressure on school budgets as a result. However the budget for bursaries is limited each year and the scheme may cease once the full budget is spent annually. In the provision of instruments this is subject to availability from the county instrument bank.

The service provides advice to non-partner schools on request with regard to bursaries and remissions which may of course have to be funded by the school themselves with private providers.

Looked After Children Support

All children and young people who are looked after and attending school in the county and city can access instrumental and vocal tuition taking place in their school (within school hours) at no charge. Additionally an instrument (portable instruments) will be made available from the county instrument bank to support their learning at no cost. Information may be required from partner schools or other county council departments in order to set up this provision. The service may seek financial support for children placed within county by other authorities or a reciprocal arrangement of support. The availability of this support can apply to one instrument only.

Support for Students eligible for Free School Meals

Children and young people who are eligible for free school meals may also access instrumental and vocal tuition taking place in their school (within school hours) at no charge. Additionally an instrument (portable instruments) will be made available from the county instrument bank to support their learning at no cost. Information may be required from partner schools or other county council departments in order to set up this provision. The availability of this support can apply to one instrument only.

Support for students designated “Gifted & Talented”

The service considers that all students reaching a level of ability on an instrument equivalent to national grade 5 (ABRSM/Trinity-Guildhall) to be gifted and talented. For these students the service will provide an individual music lesson in school of 30 minutes at the 20 minute cost rate effectively subsidising the less by 1/3. This is on the understanding that such students will be regular members of their local area and county ensembles.

For students at a lower level considered to be progressing exceptionally due to their talent, a case may be made by the Cambridgeshire Music teacher and school for the same support at an earlier stage. Such cases will be considered by the Head of Cambridgeshire Music with senior colleagues on a case by case basis (as a guide progression would normally be expected to be at twice the anticipated rate for that instrument and age of child).

Transport Policy

Cambridgeshire Music recognises that in some parts of the county and for some activities transportation for children and young people is a particular issue and may prevent them from participating in important music activities for their development. In the following cases the service will provide support for travel up to the assigned budgeted spend annually.

Rural Access to Area Academies

Currently students living in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire districts can access coach travel to Fenland Music Centre provided by the service at the level of charge notified annually (currently £0). This is a private regular service with designated pick up and drop off points. Information will be provided, along with bus passes for all users of the service.

Similar considerations will be given to supporting access to other centres, subject to finance, should levels of interest indicate a benefit to young people.

Access to County Academy Ensembles

By their nature, the county ensembles bring students together from across a wider area. Additionally to access the resources needed and minimise overall costs the courses and projects usually have to be in major towns and cities. To assist students from outside the normal travel range of these locations, travel will be supported through the programme budgets on request, subject to funding being available. This may also apply to other countywide projects if appropriate.