National Plan

The National Plan For Music Education published in 2011 outlines four core and three extension roles that all hubs are required to deliver as a condition of their funding from Department for Education which is administered through Arts Council England.

Core Roles

1. Ensure that every child aged five to 18 has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument (other than voice) through whole-class ensemble teaching programmes for ideally a year (but for a minimum of a term) of weekly tuition on the same instrument.
2. Provide opportunities to play in ensembles and to perform from an early stage.
3. Ensure that clear progression routes are available and affordable to all young people.
4. Develop a singing strategy to ensure that every pupil is singing regularly and that choirs and other vocal ensembles are available in the area.

Extension Roles

1. Offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to school staff, particularly in supporting schools to deliver music in the curriculum.
2. Provide an instrument loan service, with discounts or free provision for those on low incomes.
3. Provide access to large-scale and/or high-quality music experiences for pupils, working with professional musicians and/or venues. This may include undertaking work to publicise the opportunities available to schools, parents/carers and students.