07 March 23
Since the previous statement was published on 25 April 2022 we have rewritten and re-recorded the lyrics to My Mum, creating a new song called One In A Million!, which we feel aligns with our company values and ethos. We urge all schools holding a copy of My Mum to replace this with a free download of One In A Million!.
To claim your free song, click the green free song button to add to your basket and check out as normal. You will not be charged. You will be prompted to log into your account or create an account if you do not already have one. Once you have completed the checkout process, One In A Million! can be found in your Words on Screen™ Player which can be accessed here.
25 April 2022
The feedback we’ve received around the ‘My Mum’ and ‘My Dad’ songs published by Out of the Ark Music has naturally led to greater reflection on reviewing our materials. It is an opportunity to acknowledge that we haven't always got it right, but we commit to doing better.
We recognize and are sorry that the lyrics don’t reflect the invaluable and different roles parents or caregivers play within society and families. They also do not represent our current values and ethos as a company.
We have not promoted these songs for several years, and have taken them out of our new digital platform, and proactively communicated with schools to suggest free alternatives. Unfortunately, we can’t remove printed product that was sold and is still in circulation, but we have removed both songs from all remaining printed material on sale. We will also continue to promote and encourage the use of alternatives to these specific songs, especially in the lead up to Father’s Day.
We work hard to instil positive values in every song we write as a business. A full audit of our catalogue is under way to ensure that as we advance, all materials align with our values (which include inspiration, innovation, collaboration, respect, inclusion and joyful celebration) while enhancing learning, engagement and wellbeing in a relevant way for students today.
24 March 2022
We are aware that the songs ‘My Mum’ and ‘My Dad’, published by Out of the Ark Music many years ago, have been the cause for some concern and for that we are truly sorry. We recognize that the lyrics in the songs are outdated and don’t reflect the invaluable and different roles mothers and fathers play within society and within families. They also do not represent our current values and ethos as a company. For a number of years now we have not promoted these songs, taken them out of our new digital platform and have proactively communicated with schools to suggest free alternatives.
As a business we work hard to instil wholesome values in every song we write, but we recognize that times change, and as result we regularly audit our songs to ensure these values are upheld. Unfortunately, we can't remove printed product that was sold and is still in circulation.
We will continue to promote and encourage the use of alternatives to these specific songs.
