IDEA Strategy: Key Policies

Statement of intent

We will review all policy documents to ensure that IDEA is placed at the centre of our decision-making process. Where appropriate we will use SCC wide policies, but in the context of music and education practice we will create protocols that utilise appropriate specialist expertise.

We will channel our efforts towards fostering an inclusive culture underpinned by the principles of fairness and respect, where our people feel empowered and supported to raise constructive challenge.

Remissions 

We have a broad range of financial support available for young people through our remissions programme which includes the following: 

  • Discounted lessons up to the value of £153 per term for Looked After Children plus free instrument hire and free ensemble membership. 
  • Discounted lessons up to the value of £126 per term towards individual or group lessons plus free instrument hire and free ensemble membership 
  • Discounted lessons up to the value of £126 per term for Young Carers plus free instrument hire and free ensemble membership 

The criteria for our concessions scheme are as follows: 

  • Income Support 
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit or if their annual income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue exceeds £16,190 in the current tax year) 
  • Working Tax Credit run on – paid for 4 weeks after Working Tax credit entitlement finishes 
  • Universal Credit – if applied for on or after 1 April 2018 household income must be lesson than £7,400 (after tax and not including any benefits you get) 
  • Registered Surrey Young Carers 

We are conscious that many families often fall outside of the above criteria but are still unable to afford the cost of lessons. We partner with a number of local charities who offer financial support for families above this financial threshold. This includes the Cheryl King Trust and the Pilgrims Trust. 

We are currently drafting an additional element to our remissions process whereby parents/carers can self-identify as in financial need and can then use a simple application process supported by a independent third party which we will respond to on a discretionary basis and make funding available where appropriate.