CULTURAL and arts education in schools will come under the microscope at a forum.

Parents and young people, as well as professionals, have been invited to attend the debate on Thursday (Sept 27).

Speakers will include the headteacher at Riddlesden St Mary’s Primary School, Linda Wright, who will review the first Keighley children’s literature festival.

The festival, held to promote a love of reading and help improve literacy levels in the town, culminated with a family celebration day at Cliffe Castle.

The forum will also hear more about the work of the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), which is seeking to promote opportunities for young people in arts, drama, dance and music.

And there will be feedback from a youth voice survey.

Following the presentations, round-table discussions will take place, where people can share ideas and ask questions.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Feversham Academy.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “There is universal recognition that cultural and creative education is a vital part of a child’s schooling.

“It enhances the development of children and young people as part of a broad and balanced curriculum and gives them the skills for long-term success, particularly with many jobs coming from the creative industries.

“In Bradford district, it has been seen that young people who engage with the arts are happier and have improved concentration and higher aspirations, which ultimately impacts on all aspects of their education.

“The forum will give everyone the chance to hear how this has worked in practice and how the LCEP is providing more opportunities to schools.

“It is an open forum. Everyone with an interest in education is welcome to come along and contribute.”

LCEP chairman Jim Hopkinson, who is also the council’s deputy director for social care/safeguarding, said the partnership was striving to offer a “consistent and high-quality” art and cultural education for all young people.

He added: “The forum will share how the LCEP is promoting the value of arts, heritage and culture – both in and out of schools – and highlight how the resources available can help.”

The Public Forum for Education takes place in the Hockney room at Margaret McMillan Tower, in Bradford.

Registration is from 4pm.

The meeting is from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Entry is free.

For more details and to book a place, e-mail public.forum.for.education@bradford.gov.uk or contact Heidi Hardy on 01274 434335.