Arts & Culture at the Heart of the New DfE Enrichment Framework

Schools across England are being encouraged to place arts and culture at the centre of their provision following the release of the Department for Education’s The enrichment framework for schools and colleges – GOV.UK  (15 June 2026).

The new framework marks a significant step forward in delivering on the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report – GOV.UK, led by Professor Francis. It reinforces a shared national ambition: that every child, regardless of background, should benefit from high-quality, meaningful enrichment throughout their time in school.

A Shift in Thinking From “Extras” to Entitlement

The framework is clear that enrichment should not be a collection of optional extras or one‑off events. Instead, schools are encouraged to develop enrichment that is:

• Intentional
• Equitable
• Embedded
• Sustainable

This aligns strongly with the growing recognition that enrichment is a core entitlement for every pupil, not a bolt-on.

Within this framework, arts and cultural education, particularly music, play a pivotal role. High-quality provision begins with a strong, well-sequenced curriculum, which acts as the anchor for all enrichment activity. When this is in place, the opportunities detailed below become part of a coherent, continuous journey for pupils:

• Instrumental learning and skills progression
• Ensembles and group work
• Performance and celebration
• Partnerships with artists and organisations

Structured Support Through the Framework

Built around eight benchmarks and five enrichment categories, including arts and culture, schools can use the framework to plan a broad, well-rounded offer for every pupil.

Lincolnshire Music Service: A Key Partner for Schools 

Lincolnshire Music Service (LMS), as the lead organisation of the Lincolnshire Music Hub and Cultural Education Partnership, plays a central role to support schools deliver this vision.

As a recognised DfE lead hub partner, LMS provides schools with access to:

• Aligned instrumental tuition and skills development that reinforces curriculum concepts and supports consistent development
• Clear progression pathways into Industry, from early access to sustained participation and talent identification and support
• High‑quality leadership, enabling schools to offer extra-curricular activities that genuinely extend classroom learning
• Broader arts and cultural, including workshops, visiting artists and musicians, large‑scale events and county‑wide performance opportunities
• Specialist CPD, strengthening staff expertise and confidence in delivering a knowledge‑rich curriculum
• Support for inclusion, helping schools remove barriers so that all pupils can participate meaningfully in music

These partnerships are not peripheral; they form an integral part of a connected arts and cultural entitlement for every child in Lincolnshire.

Reflecting on Your School’s Enrichment Offer

The new framework offers a timely opportunity for schools to review and strengthen their provision. Key questions to consider include:

A Shared Opportunity for Lincolnshire

The Enrichment Framework presents a powerful opportunity to ensure that every child in Lincolnshire benefits from a rich, ambitious and inclusive arts and cultural education.

By working together, schools and partners can ensure that enrichment is not an optional extra—but a meaningful, embedded entitlement for all.

We’re here to support you

For guidance on developing your school’s enrichment offer, contact Lincolnshire Music Service: musicservice@lincolnshire.gov.uk