Part of General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 7 November 2024.
I thank the minister for that answer—and I have raised the issue in the chamber before.
Last week, East Ayrshire Council voted to transfer its instrumental music services to the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust as a cost-saving measure, despite opposition from teachers, unions and parents. In doing so, the council is relying on drawing a distinction between music tuition for Scottish Qualifications Authority qualifications and tuition for younger pupils or extracurricular activity. I am concerned that the degradation of music education sets a dangerous precedent, which puts access to music education for younger pupils at risk. Will the minister agree to meet me urgently to discuss what can be done to ensure that access to instrumental music tuition for pupils in East Ayrshire is protected at all ages?