Disadvantaged Pupils: Music Attainment Gap
Debate between Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I think the emphasis that this Government are putting on quality teacher training and expanding all the areas is going to be critical in taking this agenda forward. As I have said before, it is still unknown just what the benefits are. I bring forward from my personal experience the increase in attainment as a result of studying music, particularly in maths, and the impact on mental health, well-being and all those broader matters that enable young people to learn and thrive.
Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (Con)
I welcome the Question from the noble Baroness, Lady Keeley. May I suggest to the Minister that she looks more closely at music hubs? It is extremely difficult for disabled children to get to music hubs because it has to be a parent who drives them there. I am sure the investment in music is very welcome, but it will not help disabled children. One of the many benefits of music is singing, which allows deaf children to learn how to speak properly.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I suspect that, if we look across all 43 of the music hubs, some will be brilliant at doing exactly what the noble Baroness says. We need to make sure that there is consistency and an expectation that all young people will be able to benefit from their provision. It is obviously a key point, and I take it on board.