Extended Schools

The government's definition of an extended school is one that provides a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of its pupils, their families and the wider community.

This is a long-term vision of schools being at the heart of the community offering a range of locally determined activities and services. It is generally acknowledged that there is no blueprint for the types of activities that school might provide, or how they could be organised. Working with local partners, schools can develop provision that they think is suitable and that will be utilised by their own community.

Schools will increasingly be linking up with local Sure Start children's centres (providing services for children under the age of five) to ensure services are more joined up.

An extended school will play an active role in the lives of those individuals that are part of its community. Reaching out to families in many different ways is critical if their child's achievement is to be maximised. An extended school becomes a place to welcome students, young people and their families and other community groups that are committed to the academic and emotional well being of each individual and the community as a whole.

Extended services can include childcare, adult education, parenting support programmes, community-based health and social care services, multi-agency behaviour support teams and after-school activities. By consulting with parents and involving them in the planning of services, schools will be able to develop the package of services which best meets the needs of their community.

The government has set some key targets on the delivery of extended services in schools:

By 2010 all parents of primary-aged children will be able to access affordable childcare at or through their school from 8.00am to 6.00pm, all year round. This will be available in at least half of all primary schools by 2008
By 2010 all secondary schools will be open from 8.00am to 6.00pm all year round, offering a range of activities for young people such as music, sport and holiday activities. At least a third of secondary schools should be making this offer available by 2008

'Services at the heart of the community to improve children's outcomes in Salford.'