Child 'culture class' set for launch

Government plans to ensure every child experiences five hours of culture a week moved a step closer to reality today.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has announced the ten areas which will be participating in pilot schemes for the Find Your Talent initiative.

Bolton, Tower Hamlets and Leeds are among the areas chosen. Children here and in Shepway, Tyneside, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Liverpool and North Somerset will be provided with a range of approaches to cultural experiences.

The government wants participating children to develop by improving their communication skills and open themselves to new cultural experiences.

"Too many young people still leave school without ever really finding out what they could be good at: the things that could be the basis of a fulfilling life," culture secretary Andy Burnham said.

"These pilots will kick off the long process of putting that right. Their importance cannot be overstated."

Children's secretary Ed Balls says the schemes will adopt a "bureaucracy-light approach", despite pledging the government will "work closely" with schools.