Shake-up for schools music service

But the number of teachers providing small group and individual lessons through the local authority service will fall, under council proposals.

However York City Council is also looking at an approved tutors scheme, so that quality-checked and trained freelance teachers can offer teaching services directly to pupils and parents.

The council's executive member for children and young people, Carol Runciman, will consider the new business model for the council's school music service at a meeting tomorrow.

A York Council spokeswoman said: "The new model (will) support the council's commitment to a 10-hour cultural entitlement for young people, deliver a well-trained workforce and provide a balanced budget while adapting to changes from local and central government funding."

The plans, recommended by council officers, also make provisions for city-wide music tuition at a reorganised York Arts Academy.