News

Policy and Practice Round Up: New publication from CCE, DfE reviews and restructures, Jerwood Burseries for Creative Industries, a CCSkills audit, free training from the MLA and a new cultural consortia

16 November 2010

This month the CLA submitted our thoughts and ideas to the

Henley Music Education Review . In our document we highlighted some of the fantastic practice currently taking place across the country and stressed the need for any new programmes to be rooted in enjoyment and wellbeing as well as contributing to attainment and academic outcomes. We talked about the need for diversity in music education, and made the case for a robust local infrastructure, linked to other cultural learning provision and strategy in every area. We really look forward to finding out what Darren Henley and colleagues come up with, especially as the models and plans could have significant implications for cultural learning as a wholeFurther announcements from the DfE this week include the launch of an external review of ‘Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability’ to be led by Lord Bew. The findings of the review will inform new arrangements for delivering National Curriculum tests and assessments following the abolition of the QCDA. Working within the Department, a new executive agency will oversee statutory tests and assessments for children up to age 14.Earlier this month councils across the country were told that BSF schools,initially given a green light this year, have been asked to save a further 40% on their building projects. The CLA is concerned that facilities for cultural learning will be affected by this and urges colleagues in that sector to prioritise and protect cultural learning facilities for young people and the wider community.CCE have been working with think tank DEMOS to develop recommendations about creativity in early years education. The Born Creative Publication argues that creative learning in early years lays the foundation of the skills necessary in the modern workplace. You can download the publication here .This week in the Guardian , former minister David Lammy has published an article which explains why he thinks current Coalition plans for culture are making the arts more elitist.This week the DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries Scheme was launched. The Scheme, aims to springboard talented young graduates into their careers in the arts and offers opportunities for individuals from less affluent backgrounds who are least able to support themselves through unpaid internships, work experience or training.Arts organisations from around England are being selected to host bursary recipients in roles lasting between six and twelve months.  These roles have been specially designed to give new graduates the very best start to their careers and will cover a range of roles in the arts; from directors and musicians to backstage and arts administration roles.Running initially as a pilot programme across a two year period until March 2012, the aim is to provide 40 bursary places in this initial stage.  Successful candidates receive a bursary of £15,000 per annum pro rata.  Alongside this support, bursary recipients are assigned a mentor and encouraged to take part in structured networking opportunities throughout their placement. The scheme also offers financial support to host organisations taking on a placement.This week a new consortia of arts organisations was launched in Plymouth. Organisations Plymouth Arts Centre, the Theatre Royal, Barbican Theatre, Attik Dance and Plymouth Music Zone have come together to form ‘Wired’ . We look forward to fabulous things to come.As part of MLA’s Strategic Commissioning, Campaign for Learning is offering free training sessions for the cultural sector.The training will cover:

  • What strategic commissioning is and why it’s important
  • How to become involved with the strategic commissioning process
  • How to become ‘ready’ for commissioning as an organisation – identifying actions you can take to improve the impact of your services
  • Best practice that exists across the sector – and how you can apply ‘what works’ to your own approach and quest for funding
  • Ways in which the cultural sector and children’s workforce professionals can work together
Places at these training events are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Click here for more information, and to book your place.Creative & Cultural Skills (www.ccskills.org.uk) is undertaking an audit of the training courses and resources on offer to creative professionals who work, or aspire to work, with children and young people (under the age of 19) in England. This is your chance to shape future provision , so let them know what training you use, what works, and if anything is missing.Take this user-friendly five-minute survey before 30th of November.