Schools: Music and Drama Access

Baroness Hazarika Excerpts

Tuesday 17th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I am very disappointed in the tone of the question. We have requested and engaged Professor Becky Francis to come forward and look at this in the round. We are using evidence gathered by the last two reviews on education and culture, which the noble Baroness was involved with. We look forward to working with key partners as soon as we have the outcome of the review. What is delivered next will be of key importance.

[Baroness Hazarika (Lab)]

My Lords, it is very important to get music and drama into the classroom. Does my noble friend the Minister agree that it is also very important to get kids into museums, art galleries, theatres and concert halls so that, from a young age, all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, feel that they can enjoy these cultural spaces? What plans are there for visits from schools to cultural institutions?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for her question. Through Arts Council England, we are investing £444 million each year into arts throughout England in our national portfolio, and 79% of the portfolio is targeted at activity specifically for young people and for children. With regard to school trips, which many children will be undertaking this week, while we do not set an expectation on them, we value the added cultural experiences that they give, celebrate them and encourage every school to participate.