Children to get five hours of culture

Ministers have announced that schoolchildren should have at least five hours of cultural activity a week.

The initiative, which will include trips to galleries, museums and the opera, was being unveiled by culture secretary Andy Burnham and children's secretary Ed Balls on Wednesday.

As well as attendance, the emphasis will also be on participation, with more lessons and after-school clubs to be offered.

A pilot scheme will be funded with a £10m grant from a new Youth Culture Trust.

Balls said: "All children and young people should have the chance to experience top quality culture - whether that is seeing a play or dance performance, learning a musical instrument or producing some creative writing.

"Many of us remember the first ever live music we heard or the first ever performance we saw.

"I want all young people to have the chance to experience and take part in creative activities to help them learn and develop."

However teachers' unions have warned that the scheme will add to pressure on schools, which already face minimum requirements on the national curriculum and sports provision.