Extended services

Schools are typically at the heart of the community they serve, and are ideally placed to offer access to a range of extended services that can have a positive impact on standards and the life chances of children, young people and families. An extended school provides a range of services and activities, often beyond  the school day, to help meet the needs of children, their families and the wider community. Not all schools will be expected to offer extended services from their own sites, and primary schools particularly may have to work in partnership with other schools and on different community sites. However, expectations for secondary schools will be for them to be open from 8am to 6pm all year round offering a range of activities for young people and adults from the local area.

The Core Offer

By 2010, all children should have access to the core offer of extended services in or through their school. The four areas of the core offer are:

Quality Childcare and a Varied Menu of Activities

All Primary Schools to 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.

All secondary schools to 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.

Parenting Support

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 & Easy Access

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.

Community Access

Schools ensure they provide community access to appropriate facilities, such as ICT suites, sports and arts facilities, and also provide access to adult learning.