Ofsted enrichment framework puts arts and culture under the spotlight
Schools in England are being encouraged to review how they provide and evidence enrichment as Ofsted begins taking a closer look at activities beyond the formal curriculum.
Writing for Twinkl, Karen Stretch examines the new enrichment framework and what it could mean for school leaders preparing for inspection.
From 7 September, Ofsted’s inspection toolkit includes enrichment within personal development, with inspectors looking for provision that is ‘purposeful and varied’. Arts and culture is one of five identified areas, alongside civic engagement, outdoor activity, sport and future skills.
For music departments, the implications are practical. Stretch highlights activities including choirs, bands, performances, concert visits and participation in festivals as examples of enrichment that schools should recognise when auditing their existing provision.
She also points to the government’s eight enrichment benchmarks, which emphasise breadth, accessibility, partnership working and measurable outcomes, as well as forthcoming support through the Every Child Can programme and the National Centre for Arts and Music Education.