June 27, 2022

UK: Department for Education Announces New Package to Better Support Children’s Development

A An announcement made by the UK government expands upon the commitment to give all students in the UK access to an enriching school curriculum, helping to level the playing field for both their chances and educational outcomes.

Thanks to a multi-million-pound investment in sports and music education, children across the UK will be encouraged to discover and cultivate their passions through enhanced chances to study music, learn instruments, and participate in sports and activities.

…I want every child to have the opportunity to develop a love of music and sport, so they can explore their passions and fulfil their potential…

Through an additional capital investment worth £25 million for schools to buy musical instruments and equipment, thousands of UK students will have the opportunity to study a musical instrument. To ensure that every student has the chance to discover a passion for music, the department of education has decided to include instruments that have been modified for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the package.

As part of a new National Plan for Music Education, schools will be required to teach at least one hour of music curriculum each week. An extra £79 million will also be made available each year until 2025 for the Music Hubs programme because research has proven that music foster's children's cognitive as well as creative development.

Speaking on the issue, Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi said, “I want every child to have the opportunity to develop a love of music and sport, so they can explore their passions and fulfil their potential. That’s why I’m thrilled that we’re updating our National Plan for Music Education, as well as providing students with around 200,000 new musical instruments. The PE and Sport Premium will continue to support schools and I hope that upcoming events like the Women’s Euros and Commonwealth Games will inspire more young people to get active. These opportunities will give thousands more pupils access to an ambitious, enriching curriculum that not only supports them academically, but also supports their physical and mental wellbeing.”

The UK government's previous music plan from 2011 aimed to address the "spotty" music distribution, but its eagerly anticipated replacement acknowledges that it "remains patchy."

The government announced that it will prolong the £320 million PE and sports subsidy for primary schools starting in September for at least another year. However, it comes after Ofsted and academics recently questioned the effectiveness of the programme.

Posted in News and tagged News, UK, Department for Education, SEND, Music Education, Music Hubs
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