Extended Schools Initiative
The extended services programme has proven that children's experiences greatly influence their outcomes and chances later in life. The initiative has been so successful that the Government plans to increase funding over the next three years to support the co-ordination and sustainability of extended services.
Not every school has to provide these services on site. Access can be through a cluster of schools or through other providers. Schools are encouraged to work with other professionals and specialists to support children and young people whilst keeping in line with the National Agreement on Raising Standards and Tackling workload. This ensures that the overall workload of the teachers and head teachers does not increase through the implementation of an extended service.
Extended services should be available in all schools by 2010.
In addition, there will be an extra £217 million by 2010-11 to enable schools to offer at least two hours of free extended activities a week to the most disadvantaged children.
Schools are also developing the Physical Education, School Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) meaning access to four hours a week of sport for all young people by 2010. This includes two hours within the school day and two to three hours outside.
It is particularly important that disadvantaged children have access to extended services. The childcare element of the Working tax Credit can enable more disadvantaged families to gain access to childcare and activities before and after school, where a cost is incurred.
Source: The Extended Schools Prospectus, The Department of Children, Schools & Families
You can find out more information about the Extended Schools initiative by clicking on the following links;
