Ealing's Cultural Education Partnership (CEP) have launched a new charter to get schools in the borough to demonstrate their commitment to the arts. 

A group of experts in education, youth services, arts organisations, head teachers and teachers in Ealing have worked in concert with the CEP to develop the charter, which gets schools to commit to 11 elements to provide the basis of a creative learning program that is specific to the school. 

Once the school signs up to the charter, a member of the CEP will work with them specifically to create their own individual charter to clarify their commitment to fulfilling their individual goals every year. 

Leader of the council, Councillor Peter Mason said: "Our vision for Ealing is to ensure that culture informs everything we do. Based on our values of inclusivity and community empowerment, the arts charter is a fantastic opportunity to expand the cultural horizons of all young people in Ealing. 

"We want to encourage an educational environment that allows children to participate and nurture their talent, whether through composing a piece of music, a poetry slam, a dance workshop or increasing their ability to appreciate art through trips to a museum or gallery.  

"The arts encourage new and conceptual ways of thinking, that provide valuable life skills." 

Each charter is specifically tailored to the school that has signed it, so that it can effectively work alongside their school plan. 

Cabinet member for a fairer start, Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal said: "We all know how important cultural enrichment is to and for young people. Not only does it open them up to the world around them, encouraging them to ask questions, consider opinions and form their own, but the impact that art and culture have on young people has been proven time and again.  

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"It leads to higher levels of optimism; a greater sense of peer belonging; reduces loneliness; increases resilience to stress and strengthens their mental health. 

"It also shows that there is so much more to education than traditional subjects and opens another door of learning, inspiring young people to reach their full potential and ultimately lead to happier futures."