Thank you for completing our 2025 Parent/Foster Parent Inclusion survey.
103 completed surveys were received. The survey was aimed at parents and foster parents whose children may have engaged with the Music Service through a variety of different musical opportunities. These include our teaching in schools as well as co-curricular music groups and big events such as Singing in the Halls and our Key Stage 3 orchestral concerts.
Who took part in the survey?
- a representation of parents and foster parents of children and young people from Year 1 to Year 12
- parents and foster parents of children from mainstream schools, special schools and resource base settings
- 28.4% of children and young people represented in the survey have additional needs
Inclusion is at the heart of all that we do, and this valuable input from parents and foster parents will help inform our ongoing work.
Key findings
87% of respondents felt that the Music Service’s EDI values and policy were either important or extremely important.
The results have given us a greater understanding of the barriers to engagement in instrumental/vocal learning in schools and membership of Music Service co-curricular groups. These include the cost and timetabling of lessons in schools, difficulties with transport and timing of rehearsals.
The majority of parents and foster parents felt that the social aspect of attending Music Groups was important. We asked a question about children and young people’s sense of belonging, and almost 90% said that their child usually engaged well with their Music School group.
To view the full results, please click HERE.
Actions
We’ve already been able to put some suggestions into action:
- The majority of Parents/Foster Parents preferred concerts between 6pm and 8.30pm, lasting no more than an hour and a half. We consider start times and concert lengths, particularly for younger performers and audiences.
- Electronic versions of concert programmes were mentioned. These are now available for all of our printed programmes.
- 78% of respondents felt that microphones were important for presenters to use at concerts. This has been adopted at all our events.
- Ear defenders and sensory boxes were identified as important. We make these available at all of our events and rehearsals.
- Importance of focused rehearsal times. Letters have gone out to parents regarding the appropriate use of mobile phones at the Music School, to create a safe, focused and positive experience for all our students.
- Progression and exams. We will prioritise communicating with parents and foster parents about meaningful progression routes for all our pupils. This will include information about exams and other appropriate accreditations.