Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Fabian Society Primary Colours, published on 11 January.

The department has noted the Fabian Society Primary Colours report and the concerns it raises about arts education.

The department is committed to ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality arts education. All schools have to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, and Ofsted is currently consulting on proposals for a new inspection framework. These proposals have a strong emphasis on schools providing a broad and balanced curriculum for all their pupils.

On 11 January 2019, the department announced that a model music curriculum is being developed, overseen by an independent panel of music education experts. This will help teachers plan lessons that deliver a world class music education and reduce their workload.

Between 2016-20, the department is providing £300 million for a network of music education hubs. This is part of almost half a billion pounds we are investing in a range of music and cultural programmes between 2016-20, which is more than any other subject, except PE. In 2016-17, the hubs supported 91% of all primary schools and taught 711,241 pupils to play instruments in whole classes.