About us

Our vision

Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs believe all children and young people should be able to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talent, including into a professional creative career.

Our mission

We work with schools, music educators and a range of local, regional and national partner organisations to provide an inclusive, diverse and relevant music education offer for all children and young people.

What we do

As part of a network of Music Education Hubs across England, we are supported using public funding from the DfE and Arts Council England. We are tasked with delivering the vision, aims and strategic functions of the National Plan for Music Education. Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs are led by Devon Education Services, part of Devon County Council.

Our values

Collaboration, Creativity, Efficiency, Equality, Excellence, Knowledge, Resilience

Our aims

  • To ensure every child and young person has equal access to music
  • To help children and young people fulfil their musical potential
  • To support all schools in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, with music at its heart

Our team

Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs Advisory Board

  • Tim Baker
  • Cllr Christine Channon (Vice Chair)
  • Louise Darvid
  • Lewis Gibbs (Hub Lead)
  • Liz Hill
  • Tracy Hill
  • Richard Jones (Chair)
  • Jane Parker
  • Cllr Andrew Leadbetter
  • David Perkins
  • Sarah Pickering
  • Dame Janet Ritterman
  • Ian Rogers

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs recognise our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people are respected, valued, and always feel safe.

Hub Lead Organisation staff (on all types of contracts) are employees of Devon County Council and expected to work in accordance with the Council’s Core Principles and Behaviours. All relevant staff hold Enhanced DBS Disclosures; complete annual safeguarding training; and adhere to the Council’s Code of Conduct, which complies with all requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), September 2023. All Hub staff visiting schools and regulated activities will provide photographic identification and are covered by a Devon County Council letter of assurance.

Hub delivery partners (including County Groups, music centres, ensembles and other music-making opportunities) are required to ensure that appropriate child protection procedures are observed and that all staff and volunteers undertake appropriate DBS checks and safeguarding training. Advice, training and a template Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be accessed through the Hub.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Lewis Gibbs | Head/Music Education Hub Lead for Devon and Torbay. Additional support is available from Devon County Council’s Education Safeguarding Team.

Worried that a child is a risk? If you think it, report it.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person and want to speak to someone, or if you are a child or young person worried about your own safety, you can contact any of the following agencies for support:

MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) Tel 0345 155 1071  email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) Tel 01392 384964 email childsc.localauthoritydesignatedofficersecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

NSPCC  Tel 0808 800 5000

Childline Tel 0800 1111

If you think a child or young person is at immediate risk, contact the police on 999

Environmental sustainability

Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs is committed to minimising the impact of our activities and those of our Hub partner organisations on the environment. We will work in accordance with Devon County Council’s environmental policy and the recommendations of the DfE’s sustainability and climate change strategy wherever possible.