The government’s music education in schools project has been unsuccessful, claims a new report from Ofsted.
According to the organisation, more work needs to be done to ensure music education is made available to all pupils.
Currently in more than two thirds of those schools visited, little has been done to boost the music education offering following the first year of the initiative. The study also found that many school leaders lack any expertise in music education and are unable to lead or support the subject well.
The government's project is based on a number of music hubs set up across England in response to the National Plan for Music Education.
Michael Cladingbowl, director of schools policy at Ofsted, said: ‘Music is a demanding academic discipline, developed through exciting practical musical activity. However, the vast majority of the schools visited shied away from teaching pupils about fundamental aspects of music as they thought it too difficult. All children, not just the privileged few, should enjoy a good music education.
‘Music hubs were created with this very aim, so it is concerning that the hubs visited for this survey could not show how their work in schools achieves this or how they provide value for money.’
The music hubs are funded through the Arts Council and have defined roles including ensuring that every child sings regularly and learns a musical instrument in normal school class lessons.
According to the organisation, more work needs to be done to ensure music education is made available to all pupils.
Currently in more than two thirds of those schools visited, little has been done to boost the music education offering following the first year of the initiative. The study also found that many school leaders lack any expertise in music education and are unable to lead or support the subject well.
The government's project is based on a number of music hubs set up across England in response to the National Plan for Music Education.
Michael Cladingbowl, director of schools policy at Ofsted, said: ‘Music is a demanding academic discipline, developed through exciting practical musical activity. However, the vast majority of the schools visited shied away from teaching pupils about fundamental aspects of music as they thought it too difficult. All children, not just the privileged few, should enjoy a good music education.
‘Music hubs were created with this very aim, so it is concerning that the hubs visited for this survey could not show how their work in schools achieves this or how they provide value for money.’
The music hubs are funded through the Arts Council and have defined roles including ensuring that every child sings regularly and learns a musical instrument in normal school class lessons.
