Music education charities partner on curriculum framework 

Two music education charities are joining forces to deliver a programme focused on improving the provision of the music curriculum in state primary schools.

Music Masters and Voices Foundation have announced a pilot programme for their partnership in which they will collaborate with 29 primary schools in one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England, The Kemnal Academies Trust, located across Kent and West Sussex.

According to a statement released by the two charities, the pilot will see the development of a curriculum framework that supports teaching staff and is informed by the needs and resources of the school communities. 

The programme plans to focus on academies and free schools, which make up more than 40% of primary schools in the country, as there is currently no statutory obligation for such schools to follow the national curriculum for music.

Voices Foundation CEO Manvinder Rattan said the programme “will fundamentally improve the music education experience for so many children”.

“The music education sector is remarkable in its diversity but it is quite fragmented,” Rattan added.

“I have long believed that, in order to make the greatest positive impact on children, we need to hold hands with our partners much more firmly. And that is exactly what we're doing here.”