The power of music to change lives: a National Plan for Music Education

This country has a proud history of music making. Down the generations, music has

enriched our national identity, our community and our economy. Music education is essential to safeguarding and extending the musical life of our country for

generations to come.

A strong foundation of music in the early years is vital for all children, but particularly for

disadvantaged children or children with SEND. All early years providers are required to

deliver an educational programme in Expressive Arts and Design as part of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, for children from birth to age five. By the end of the EYFS, children at the expected level of development should be able to: sing a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs, perform songs, rhymes, poems and stories with others, and – when appropriate – try to move in time with music.

Government has recently published Development Matters, non-statutory curriculum

guidance for early years practitioners and teachers which gives further examples of how to deliver music in their settings. Many of our great national and regional orchestras have

accessible early years workshops.

Many of those teaching music in early years settings will be non-specialists. While not

specifically funded by government to do so, many Music Hub partnerships have developed expertise in supporting early years music, and we encourage this to continue. Early years practitioners should consider seeking support and training from their Hub, who may also be able to provide specialist music teaching and link early years providers with music in local schools.