More culture on the timetable

Children will get five hours a week of cultural activity, under new government plans.

They will be able to take part in workshops with individual artists, writers and actors through an expansion of the Creative Partnerships programme. More trips to museums and galleries, exhibitions and concerts are also expected.

Helping children to develop their creativity can lead them to do better academically, the government said.

Funding of £135 million will be provided for into the initiative, which will also offer children a chance to get involved in arts and culture in and outside of the school day.

Read the announcement.