Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Music

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcomes were of the recent departmental Survey of Local Authority Music Services with regard to delivering the objectives of the Music Manifesto.

Answer: The Music Manifesto has the overall aim of creating more music for more people. Our investment in music services is a key part of the Department's Manifesto pledge to schools and the 2005 survey showed that they are making substantial progress in most areas.For example:"In 2002, 69 per cent. of schools were reported to have received instrumental tuition. In 2005, this had risen to 76 per cent. of primary schools and 88 per cent. of secondary schools.""82 per cent. of schools now take advice from Music Services on resources, appointments and preparation or follow up from inspections (up from 38 per cent. in 2002).""97 per cent. of schools say that they are satisfied with the service they receive from their local Music Service.""The percentage of children in KS2 who receive instrumental lessons has risen from 7 per cent. in 2002 to 13 per cent. in 2005.""17 per cent. of children learning to play in 2005 were from minority ethnic or mixed groups; 12 per cent. received free school meals and 9 per cent. had special educational needs."

Secondary information