Labour Party makes policy commitments on music education

The Labour Party has made several commitments on music education as part of its National Policy Forum document.

These include safeguarding music’s place in a board curriculum, providing opportunities for children to learn instruments, and recognising the role of instrumental teachers in the education workforce.

The document, which sets out the Labour Party’s plans for government, was approved by delegates at last week’s party conference.

It says: ‘In Ofsted’s 2020 annual parent survey, just half of parents said that music was sufficiently covered within their child’s education, despite evidence showing that music education can improve children’s engagement with their education and lead to improved academic outcomes, in addition to the benefits of playing and listening to music on health and wellbeing.’

The Musicians’ Union, a Labour-affiliated union with representatives on the National Policy Forum (NPF), worked with Shadow Education Minister Bridget Philipson to secure commitments on music education.

As part of its lobbying efforts, the MU secured a specific recognition of Visiting Music Teachers in the final document, which reads:

‘Labour will ensure a level playing field for all young people, by tackling the narrowing of the curriculum to ensure children can access and enjoy the creative arts as part of their education and recognise teachers supporting children to learn instruments and take advantage of creative opportunities as a valued part of the education workforce.’

Other commitments include improving the fairness of streaming and supporting artists touring in the EU.

Read a summary of the NPF document at labourlist.org/2023/10/labour-national-policy-forum-final-document-summary-policy-manifesto-party-conference