Extended Schools

Extended schoolsExtended Schools provide a range of services in addition to traditional school provision. For example, child care or evening classes for adults. By 2010 all schools had to be extended schools. offer extended services in addition to the main curriculum. A full extended school will offer childcare from 8.00am–6.00pm all year round, a range of extra-curricularExtra-curricular activities take place outside of lesson times, for example, at lunchtime or after school. activities, parenting support, and access for communityCommunity schools are the standard type of maintained, state school. activities. It will also have strong connections with the health service and social services. By September 2010, all schools, by law, are supposed to be full extended schoolsExtended Schools provide a range of services in addition to traditional school provision. For example, child care or evening classes for adults. By 2010 all schools had to be extended schools.. However, some schools make much more of their ‘extended’ nature, than others. A school with extended services can:

• Sometimes be attractive to students who are normally wary of school. This is because it might offer lots of additional provision the young person might be interested in, like an after school on site youth club.
• Have a genuine communityCommunity schools are the standard type of maintained, state school. atmosphere to it, because it is a hub of activity for a variety of local people.
• Provide a holistic education for a child, because of its range of services. It can make it easier for students to link what they are learning to the outside world.
• Often be vibrantly multi-cultural, by attracting groups from the communityCommunity schools are the standard type of maintained, state school. who would otherwise not use the school.
• Give students a wide range of services. There could be health practitioners on site, counsellors, careersThe subject of Careers consists of information and guidance provided to students on employment optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for.. advisers and youth workers.
• Give students easier access to learning. There might be an after school club to support students’ homework, or a breakfast club in the library.
• Potentially give young people a more creative offer than a non-extended neighbour. There could be many activities that are not curriculum focused for young people to become involved in, for example, a climbing club, a choir, a debating group.
• Lead to more agencies who support children, working more effectively together. For example, a nurse would be able to collaborate with a learning mentor.
• Offer a lot more involvement to parents than a non-extended school. For example, a parent might come on site and do a yoga class and take the opportunity to look at their child’s work on display.

Further Information

Open Evening/Visit

The school might have an extended services’ manager. It is worth finding out. If not, ask a teacher about the member of staff responsible for extended services. It is a good sign if the person responsible for extended services is high profile and well known by other staff.

Prospectus

This should include information about the school’s extended services.

School Publications

The school newsletter should include information about the extended services taking place. You can contact the school and ask to be sent the latest edition. The website should give you an indication of what extended services are currently available.

Summary