To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the effects of the £2 million fund for professional development of music teachers on instrumental and vocal tuition in maintained schools; and if he will make a statement.

holding answer 14 July 2008

Evaluation of the programme of professional development for practitioners involved in music in primary schools is ongoing and extensive. Processes which support review and evaluation are integral to the programme and are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcomes in terms of impact of professional practice and the continuing development of the programme for the next three years.

Formal evaluation is central to all aspects of the programme and includes: mentor's observations of practitioner's lessons; practitioner's evaluations of all the workshops they attend as well as online evaluation at the end of their programme; online forums for workshop leaders to inform and support each other; and the regular observation of workshops and visits to practitioners in schools to evaluate the impact of the programme on practice. The final report on the impact of the programme to 2008, including case studies, is expected to be provided to the Department in the autumn.