§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what the annual budget is of the Music and Dance scheme; [171406]
(2) if he will make a statement on the remit of the Music and Dance scheme. [171408]
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§ Mr. MilibandThe budget for the Music and Dance scheme in the current financial year 2004–05 is £15.9 million.
The scheme currently supports over 800 exceptionally talented children at eight independent specialist schools, four music schools and four dance schools, which are regarded as centres of excellence in their field. In addition, around 80 choristers are helped each year through a subset of the scheme, the Choir Schools Scholarship scheme. Through outreach and partnership working the schools share their expertise and provide music, singing and dance experiences and training for many who would not otherwise get the chance. From September 2004, the scheme is being extended to give greater opportunities for talented children to receive the specialist training they need. A new national grants scheme will enable them to gain access locally to such training out of school hours at four new centres for advanced training and at the junior departments of the six music conservatoires.