Traded services

Calderdale Schools Music Service

What is the purpose of this document?
1. The purpose of this document is to:
  1. describe the music services that Calderdale Children and Young People's Services provides to schools;
  2. provide information about the service provider and how the key personnel can be contacted;
  3. explain, in outline, the main terms of the service;
  4. give details of the services on offer;
  5. identify the ways by which the service will be provided;
  6. identify levels of service provision;
  7. describe service provider obligations and commitments;
  8. establish customer commitments;
  9. describe quality assurance systems and procedures for redress if things go wrong;
  10. describe the basis on which the service price is calculated and the method of payment.
2. The purpose of this specification is to ensure that both provider and user are clear about the services to be offered and the ways the services will be delivered. This will help regulate the dealings between the user and the provider by setting out respective obligations relating to performance and payment for the services.
3. Services are provided on all school premises or at one of the branch Music Centres in Brighouse, Hebden Bridge and Halifax. Services are specific to requirements and the detail and charging structure are included on the enrolment forms sent to all parents during the summer term or on the contract agreed with a school prior to a new academic or financial year.
Who are the service providers?
1. The provider is Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Children and Young People's Services, Music Service.
2. This service is available to all schools within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale under the terms and conditions specified in:
  1. the contract agreed between the school and the Music Service; or
  2. the enrolment form completed by the parent or carer.
3. If you have any questions about this service or would like further information, please contact:
  - Name
  - Stephen Langdon, Head of Music Service
  - Address
  - Heath Training and Development Centre
    Free School Lane
    Halifax HX1 2PT
  - E-mail
  - stephen.langdon@calderdale.gov.uk
  - Telephone
  - 01422 394161
  - Fax
  - 01422 394083
Service Standards
1. All core and traded services have agreed to the following principles to ensure that the customer receives a consistently high level of service. This service will:
  1. set standards;
  2. be open and provide full information;
  3. consult and involve;
  4. encourage access and the promotion of choice;
  5. treat all fairly;
  6. put things right when they go wrong;
  7. use resources effectively;
  8. innovate and improve;
  9. work with other providers;
  10. provide user satisfaction.
2. The following paragraphs explain our service standards and what we are doing to improve them.
  1. Quality awards
    As part of Schools and Children's Services, the Music Service has achieved an Investors in People award.
  2. Education expertise
    The Calderdale Music Service has provided instrumental music tuition and related services since the formation of Calderdale MBC in 1974. It was formed by amalgamating the Halifax Borough and parts of the West Riding Music Service. A number of staff have been in post for over twenty years. Their expertise forms the foundation upon which the current service is built.
  3. Qualified staff
    All teaching staff are employed on teachers' terms and conditions, either on permanent or continuous flexible contracts. A wide variety of qualifications are held by these staff, including degrees in music and education, various music diplomas (teaching and performing) and teaching certificates. All the staff on permanent contracts and a number of the staff on flexible contracts hold teaching qualifications recognised by the DCSF.
  4. Responsiveness
    The service will respond to communications within the following maximum times:
    - Telephone: 48 hours
    - E-mail: four working days
    - Fax: two working days
    - Letter: ten working days
  5. Courtesy
    You can expect us to be courteous and helpful at all times. When you write, telephone, or visit the Music Service, the person you are in contact with will tell you his or her name and, where appropriate, telephone number.
  6. Properly equipped
    The Music Service has a wide range of specialist equipment. This includes a range of orchestral percussion for rehearsals and concerts, a stock of orchestral and band instruments for students to hire and a fully equipped workshop. Staff often use their own, professional quality instruments for teaching purposes.
  7. Meets all statutory requirements
    The Music Service has policies on health and safety and child protection. These have been written to take account of specific issues related to peripatetic music tuition. All staff are fully briefed on these policies.
  8. Fully insured
    The service has public liability insurance.
Performance
1. The following section shows our level of performance, how we have improved over time and how we compared with our metropolitan neighbours.
2. Regular surveys of music services are carried out by the DCSF. The most recent was made in November 2007. This is a substantial document that cannot be reproduced here. A copy is held by the Head of Music Service. Future surveys are planned on a three-year cycle.
How long will a contract for this service last?
1. Contracts with schools: one financial or academic year, subject to termly review, dependent on individual school requirements.
2. Enrolments from parents or carers: Ongoing until cancelled, subject to termly and yearly review.
How can the contract for this service be changed?
1. If circumstances beyond the control of the client or service provider require the agreement to be varied this will be in agreement with both parties. The client or service provider may terminate the agreement by giving notice in writing to the Head of Music Service at least two weeks before the end of a school term.
2. Any variations to the service required owing to changes in the type or quantity of work required will be agreed in writing between the school or parent or carer and the service provider.
What services will be provided?
1. Specialist teaching in the following subjects:
  - orchestral stringed instruments;
  - orchestral and band woodwind instruments;
  - orchestral and band brass instruments;
  - tuned and untuned percussion, including drum kit;
  - piano and electronic keyboard;
  - classical and contemporary guitar;
  - voice;
  - theory classes;
  - classroom curriculum music to Key Stages one and two;
  - Wider Opportunities: a government led initiative for all Key Stage 2 pupils to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument;
  - Wider Opportunities continues classes at KS2 and KS3.
  'Taster Sessions' are held before the summer holidays where parents, carers and potential instrumental pupils can see and try the various instruments prior to enrolment for the following academic year. Expert advice is available at these sessions.
2. Instrument hire, subject to availability from Music Service stock. Allocation based on teaching hours included in the contract with schools. Available to enrolled pupils for a small termly fee.
3. Instrument maintenance. Routine maintenance of all Music Service instrumental stock is carried out at no additional cost. The client is liable for any damage or loss resulting from maltreatment, theft, and so on.
4. Membership of any of the Music Centre ensembles at no cost. Ensembles available in summer 2008 are shown below.
  Halifax Music Centre
  at St Mary's Catholic Primary School (Halifax)
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings:
  - Orchestra (all instruments)
  - String Ensemble (orchestral strings)
  - Keyboard Ensemble
  - Guitar Ensemble
  - Percussion Ensemble
  - Band (all woodwind and brass instruments and percussion)
  West Calderdale Music Centre
  Wednesday evenings at Riverside Junior School, Hebden Bridge:
  - Orchestra (all instruments)
  - Guitar Ensemble
  - Choir
  East Calderdale Music Centre
  Thursday evenings at St Andrew's Junior School, Brighouse
  - Orchestra (all instruments)
  - Guitar Ensemble
  The above are graded for various abilities from beginner to intermediate and are open to all. There is no selection process. Music Service teaching staff will make recommendations on the suitability of ensembles for their own pupils. More advanced students are welcome to audition for the Calderdale Ensembles:
  Calderdale Ensembles
  Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Halifax Music Centre
  - Calderdale Youth Orchestra
  - Calderdale Strings
  - Calderdale Youth Wind Band
  - Calderdale Jazz Orchestra
  - Calderdale Guitar Ensemble
  - Calderdale Youth Choir
  All ensembles rehearse every week and give concerts around the Borough at various venues and, occasionally, further afield.
  
  Ensemble provision is currently under review. Any changes to the above will be published and circulated as and when appropriate.
5. A range of whole-class activities are available to schools, contracted as for teaching:
  - Conducting: Direction and tutoring of school based music ensembles.
  - Wider Opportunities: In order to address the Government's policy of giving every child in primary school the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, whole class tuition is offered on a variety of instruments. A specialist instrumental teacher works in partnership with the class teacher and support assistants to provide whole-class sessions based on the QCA's new schemes of work.
  - Music for Special Needs: For pupils aged between 4 and 19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties. The lessons are practical, hands-on and fun.
  - Delivery of the National Curriculum for Music.
6. All the above whole class activities can be used for in-service training. School based staff, whatever their level of musical expertise (including no knowledge whatsoever), are always encouraged to join in the lessons.
7. Examinations and assessment:
  - Special visits of examiners: Examiners visit from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (AB), Trinity Guildhall, Rock School. Music Service pupils entered on the recommendation of the teaching staff. Examination fee plus a small administration fee charged to parents/carers.
  - Music Medals (AB) and Joint Assessment (Trinity Guildhall). Music Service staff have been trained to assess pupils for these examinations during lessons.
  - All these examinations are validated by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority and form part of the National Qualifications framework.
  - The Music Service has its own assessment system: Instrumental Music Attainment Targets (IMATs). These assess all pupils' progress. Schools award certificates as pupils reach the various levels.
8. Instrument purchase: On request special rates may be negotiated. There is a small administration fee for this service.
9. These services can be selected by contacting:
  - Stephen Langdon, Head of Music Service
  - Trevor Thristan, Deputy Head of Music Service
  - Richard Farrar, Senior Teacher
  - Glenis Ireland, Senior Teacher
  - Kevin Rivett, Senior Teacher
  - Debra Rodger, Admin Assistant
  - Lynne Jones, Admin Assistant
  - Ivan Toner, Admin Assistant
  All of the above can be contacted using the following details:
  - Address
  - Calderdale Music Service
    Heath Training and Development Centre
    Free School Lane
    Halifax HX1 2PT
  - E-mail
  - music.service@calderdale.gov.uk
  - Telephone
  - 01422 394161
  - Fax
  - 01422 394083
How will the service be provided?
1. The services are provided by experienced teachers/musicians.
2. Teaching groups are specialism specific. Teachers will work with instrumental groups within their own areas of expertise.
3. As the service is essentially demand driven the allocation of teaching time in each school will, with the exception of those schools that contract directly with the service, be determined by the number of pupil enrolments.
4. With enrolled pupils the maximum group size will be four. The allocation of time for all instruments except pianos (including voice) is:
  - two pupils: 20 minutes
  - three pupils: 25 minutes
  - four pupils: 30 minutes
  The maximum number for piano tuition is two.
5. Where a school contracts directly with the service, the recommended groupings are as in 8.4, or up to 12 pupils for Wider Opportunities continuers classes.
6. Most teaching takes place during the school day. This may result in pupils being withdrawn from other lessons. The day and time of each visit is agreed between the visiting instrumental teacher and the school. Service staff will make every effort to comply with individual school requirements.
7. Some teaching is provided at the three music centres in the evening, during the week and on Saturday mornings.
8. The service provider will respect the confidentiality of its relationship and dealings with clients.
What do the suppliers expect of me as a customer?
1. Ideally the accommodation provided by the school for visiting instrumental teachers should be light, warm, spacious, quiet and furnished with a piano (essential for piano teaching). It is appreciated that in many schools space is limited. However, it should be noted that visiting instrumental teachers will be working with small groups of pupils or, in some cases, individual students and the accommodation should, therefore, be appropriate (not isolated).
2. Cooperation with service staff in respect of allocation of times and days of visits. Timetabling is dependent on the amount of flexibility offered by schools.
How can I be sure of a high quality service?
1. Teachers appointed to the service are interviewed and auditioned and are subject to the normal personnel procedures including enhanced disclosure with the Criminal Records Bureau.
2. Centrally employed teachers undergo the same rigorous performance management process as school based staff. All planning and record keeping is regularly monitored.
3. The service operates its own pupil assessment system - Instrumental Music Attainment Targets (IMATs). This is regularly monitored and updated.
4. The service is a member of the Federation of Music Services (FMS) and has been directly involved in the production of an instrumental music curriculum. This is linked to the national curriculum for music and has been subject to consultation between the FMS and the DCSF and QCA. This document forms the basis of instrumental and vocal tuition given by the Music Service.
5. Much staff development is provided 'in-house'. This takes the form of sharing of expertise during training days, peer observation and team teaching.
6. Every pupil receives an annual report. Parents and carers are invited to one of three annual 'Meet the Staff' evenings.
7. We welcome feedback from schools and urge our customers to give their comments to the Head of Music Service or the Head of Learning Services.
8. The Music Service has a self-assessment system (SEF). parents, pupils and schools are invited to assess the performance of the service. The results have been very positive. Further details are available from the Head of Music Service.
Who do I contact if things go wrong?
1. Any concerns or complaints about the quality of service should be made in the first instance to the member of staff concerned. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact the Head of Music Service.
2. If the issue is still not resolved, you should contact:
  - Name
  - Paul Brennan, Head of Learning Services
  - Address
  - Northgate House
    Halifax HX1 1UN
  - E-mail
  - paul.brennan@calderdale.gov.uk
  - Telephone
  - 01422 392716
  - Fax
  - 01422 392515
3. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may wish to invoke the Council's Complaints procedure .
What is the basis of the service price and what will the service cost?
1. The service receives an annual grant from the Standards Fund. Currently this represents approximately 40 per cent of the service budget. Charges are determined by the level of this grant and are subject to inflation.
2. Charges for 2007/08:
  1. Charge per term to parents and carers:
    - Group lesson: £54.50
    - Individual lesson (20 minutes): £124
    - Individual lesson (30 minutes): £188
    - Paired Lesson (30 minutes shared between two pupils): £94
    - Instrument hire: £10
    - Ensemble membership: £24
3. Charges for 2008/09:
  1. Charge per term to parents and carers:
    - Group lesson: £56
    - Individual lesson (20 minutes): £127
    - Individual lesson (30 minutes): £193
    - Paired lesson: £96.50
    - Instrument hire: £10.50
    Note - payment by standing order available. For example, nine monthly payments (October to June of £22.50 for group tuition and instrument hire).
    
    Hourly rate to schools: £42 (for curriculum support, Wider Opportunities, instrumental work and ensemble rehearsals) plus £10 per instrument (Wider Opportunities only).
How will I be charged?
1. The charging year for enrolled pupils is concurrent with the academic year.
2. The charging year for contracted teaching is concurrent with the financial or the academic year, dependent on school requirements.
3. Parents and carers of enrolled pupils are invoiced each term. Payment by standing order (three per term) is optional.
4. A limited number of fee remissions are available to enrolled pupils and are determined by the benefits claimed by parents or carers.
5. Schools with teaching contracts are invoiced each term.

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