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While the government’s commitment to promoting arts education for every child has been welcomed, its rushed announcement today of the enrichment framework and “Every Child Can” scheme is disappointing on several counts.

Most concerning is that the £132.5 million in additional funding amounts to less than £16 per pupil to be spread across four other areas alongside the arts. This barely covers the cost of a sketchbook and pencils – it is nowhere near enough to pay for the changes needed to ensure every child enjoys rounded arts enrichment in their school life. The government must properly address funding, the main barrier to arts provision.

Announcing enrichment benchmarks this late in the summer term and before the new curriculum framework has been finalised is also highly problematic. Schools are still waiting for details on what the curriculum will look like and must now prepare for enrichment activities on that curriculum, all of which Ofsted will be assessing from September.

Rushing this policy through for political expediency and prioritising inspection over support and funding jeopardises the government’s stated aim of ensuring every child has access to arts activities throughout their school life. This represents a wasted opportunity at a time when arts provision for many children has all but disappeared.