Extended Services in Schools

Over the past few years, schools have been extending the services they offer. Many now open up their facilities outside school hours for pupils, their families and the local community. So far, more than half of all schools in the country offer some ‘extended services’ for the pupils, families and communities they serve. By 2010, the Government wants that to be all schools.

What’s on offer?

What’s on offer depends on what local people want. If it can’t be offered on site, it can usually be sourced nearby. For example, typically, schools are offering:

For children:

• affordable Ofsted-registered childcare from 8am until 6pm, 48 weeks a year (if it’s a primary school) – at school or with a nearby nursery, pre-school, playgroup or childminder. This could include: 
  • breakfast clubs – a healthy meal, starting the day ready to learn
  • after-school clubs – to unwind and socialise in a safe place
  • homework clubs and study support – a quiet place to work, where pupils get the support they need 
  • holiday clubs – run by local organisations, where children can try their hand at, say, canoeing, cycling, or an adventure course
• activities for children up to the age of 14 (or 16 if they have special educational needs or a disability) – such as sports, computers, music, drama, art, model making and cooking

For adults:

• family learning – where children can learn with parents
• information sessions for parents – when children move on to primary or secondary school
• parenting and family support – for anyone who wants it
• swift and easy access to a wide range of specialist services – so problems are resolved quickly, with schools linked to speech and language therapy, psychologists, social care, youth workers, housing, police, careers advice or short-term breaks for parents of disabled children
• facilities for community use – like a sports hall, swimming pool, computers, or adult classes in, say, English or maths, holiday French or yoga

How does it work?

Schools consult pupils, parents and the local community about the kinds of activities they want to see. They also work with their local authority and a whole host of organisations – other schools, colleges, private companies, individuals and voluntary groups – so that between them they can provide what local people want.

How much does it cost?

Some services and activities are free, such as: 

• most education for children outside school hours 
• specialist services such as healthcare and social care

Those you usually need to pay for include: 

• childcare during school term and in the holidays
• some clubs and activities – like music clubs and museum visits

Schools and their partners will always try to keep costs down, and charges will vary according to the activity. If you’re
on a low income you may be able to get some extra help with paying for childcare. See our paying for childcare section for more information.

 

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