News

The Extended Schools Prospectus, which sets out the government’s plans for what schools could offer their communities, was today published by the Department for Education and Skills, writes Clare Jerrom.

High quality childcare will be available to families between 8am and 6pm all year round and a menu of activities including sport, music tuition and learning a foreign language will also be available.

Education secretary Ruth Kelly said: “By 2010 all children under 14 who want to, could have access to breakfast and after school clubs offering exciting activities from 8am to 6pm.”

The extended services menu for primary schools includes:-

• childcare

• a range of before and after school activities

• parenting support

• specialist support services such as speech and language therapists

Secondary schools will include:-

• opening from 8am to 6pm all year round

• a range of activities for young people

• access to services for young people and parents

• providing wider community access to ICT, sports and arts facilities

Kelly concluded: “Extended schools will not only help children in their education, but also support hard working families to manage their home and work life.”

Prospectus from www.teachernet.gov.uk/extendedschools