Tessa Jowell

Tessa Jowell has announced a 10-year target to ensure no child leaves school without having access to arts and culture.

Under the "creative sparks" programme the government is promising to provide children with opportunities such as performing music live, taking part in theatre, visiting museums and galleries, creative writing or making their own art works.

The culture secretary plans to use new networks of specialist arts, humanities and technology colleges to deliver on the proposals.

And there are also plans in the pipeline for 'cultural hubs' around Telford, Durham, Bournemouth and Poole as well as a quality "kitemark" scheme for artists working in education.

"Creativity will be at the heart of this nation's success in the future," said Jowell.

"Already it accounts for around eight per cent of our GDP, and is the fastest creator of jobs in the whole economy.

"The government is determined to ensure that our young people get the best possible preparation for this bright future.

"We want that spark of creativity that lives in every child to be recognised and nurtured."