In June 2005 the government published an ‘Extended Schools
Prospectus’. This document sets out the expectation that all
children will be able to access a core offer of services by 2010.
The document builds on the outcomes from ‘Every Child Matters’ and
links into many of the offers that other agencies are being
expected to deliver.
In brief, the Extended Schools core offer comprises five
elements:
While many schools may choose to develop an even richer mix of
services and activities, the core offer for mainstream and special
schools is:
- Primary schools provide access to high-quality childcare,
8am–6pm, five days a week, 48 weeks a year, in accordance with
their communities’ needs, combined with a varied menu of activities
(study support) to enhance achievement and broaden interests.
- Secondary schools provide access to a varied
menu of study support and enrichment activities which provide fun
and stimulating activities for young people, as well as a safe
place to be.
- Schools provide access to parenting support,
including information sessions for parents of pupils joining
reception and on transfer to secondary school; signposting to
national and local sources of information, advice and support;
access to parenting groups using structured, evidence-based
parenting programmes; and family learning sessions to allow
children to learn with their parents, where consultation has shown
there is a demand.
- Swift and easy referral: working closely with
other statutory services and the voluntary and community sector,
schools ensure that children with additional needs are identified
as early as possible, and are well supported through integrated
working with other services.
- Schools ensure they provide community access
to appropriate facilities, such as ICT suites, sports and arts
facilities, and also provide access to adult learning.
The government expects that by 2008 at least half of all primary
schools will be offering access to wraparound childcare, either in
their own building, at a nearby school or on a different site
provided in partnership with private or voluntary sector providers.
By the same date at least a third of secondary schools should be
open from 8am to 6pm all year round, providing access to a range of
activities for young people such as music, sport and holiday
activities.
More information on this offer and a ‘download’ version of the
prospectus can be found at TeacherNet
www.teachernet.gov.uk/extendedschools
Paper copies of the prospectus can be ordered by email from: DfES
dfes@prolog.uk.com
Suffolk has been working with the Training and Development
Agency for Schools (TDA) to produce workshops which build on much
of the work that many schools and partner agencies are already
engaged upon. There is much already happening in Suffolk to
make the core offer a real possibility for many children and their
families.
Ten clusters have undertaken the two-day workshops this academic
year:
- North: Framlingham and Leiston, High Suffolk.
- South: West Ipswich, South Ipswich, East Ipswich,
Felixstowe.
- West; Forest Heath, Thurston, Stowmarket, Haverhill
Feedback has been very positive with headteachers, governors,
partner agencies and Extended Schools Development Officers all
saying that these workshops have enabled them to more the core
offer forward in their cluster.
It is planned to offer similar support to the remaining eight
clusters in 2007- 2008:
- North: North Lowestoft, South Lowestoft, Waveney and
Blyth.
- South: South Suffolk, North Ipswich, Woodbridge and
Kesgrave.
- West: Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury.
East Ipswich Cluster Workshop (PDF, 412Kb)
Thurston Cluster Workshop (PDF, 220Kb)
Core Offer slide (final version) (PDF, 151Kb)
Information sheets from the TDA workshops
Swift Easy Referral (PDF, 50Kb)
Quality Childcare (PDF, 40Kb)
Parenting Support (PDF, 42Kb)
Varied Menu (PDF, 41Kb)
Community Access (PDF, 39Kb)
Copies of the
‘Extended Schools in Suffolk - Guidance Booklet for Schools’
have been sent to all schools and key agencies. Further copies can
also be obtained by emailing
ESRequests@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk
David Porter
Extended Schools Remodelling Adviser
Email:
david.porter@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk