AQW 35020/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 07/11/2025
Answered On Date: 18/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any measures he plans to introduce to ensure children facing educational disadvantage will not be excluded from music lessons, following cuts to the Education Authority Music Service.

Answer:

My Department recognises the vital role of music education in supporting children’s development and engagement in learning. Music remains a compulsory element of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in both primary and post-primary levels.

The Education Authority (EA) has advised my Department that it does not plan to make cuts to its Music Service. However, due to significant financial pressures and direction from the EA Board, the Music Service is reviewing its charging policy to increase income from its activities.

A remissions policy is already in place to significantly reduce the charges for pupils entitled to Free School Meals who participate in Music Service activities, and it is expected that this support will continue. As part of its ongoing service transformation process, EA Music is exploring options to remove barriers to participation, including targeted support and partnership approaches, to ensure that music remains accessible to as many pupils as possible.

My Department also provides Targeting Social Need funding and the Extended Schools Programme which can provide schools with flexibility to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programmes can be used to deliver enrichment activities, including music-based programmes, tailored to local needs.