Extended schools
This section of TeacherNet provides advice on setting up extended
services. It is aimed at schools and LAs but it will also be useful
for local providers.
Recent reports/guidance
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Extended Services Publicity Toolkit — a guide for schools, LAs and their partners to help them promote their extended services locally, November 2008
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Extended Schools Directory — the Direct.gov website now gives details of which schools offer access to the full core offer of extended services
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Extended Schools Leaflet for Parents — providing more services for you and your children, November 2008
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Funding Extended Schools — DCSF guidance for local authorities, schools and their partners on availability and use of extended schools funding, September 2008
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Extended schools prospectus — updated November 2008
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Practical know-how — guidance on setting up extended services and links to case studies.
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Extended Schools Advertisements — recently published in a range of popular magazines.
What is an extended school?
A key way of delivering Every Child
Matters outcomes, an extended school works with the local
authority, local providers and other schools to provide
access to a core offer of
integrated services:
- a varied menu of activities (including study support, play/recreation, sport, music, arts and crafts and other special interest clubs, volunteering and business and enterprise activities), in a safe place, for primary and secondary schools
- childcare 8:00am — 6:00pm, 48 weeks a year for primary schools
- parenting support including family learning
- swift and easy access to targeted and specialist services such as speech and language therapy
- community access to facilities including adult learning, ICT and sports facilities.
These will often be provided beyond the school day but not necessarily by teachers or on the school site.
What are the benefits?
There is evidence that extended services can help to:
- improve pupil attainment, self-confidence, motivation and attendance;
- reduce exclusion rates;
- better enable teachers to focus on teaching and learning;
- enhance children's and families access to services.
Ofsted will report during school inspections on how extended services are contributing to improved outcomes for children and young people. Find out more about the benefits in the research section. There are currently over 14 000 (around two thirds) providing access to the core offer of extended services.
How do I set up extended services?
Watch and read the transcript of a video
showing examples of how schools are providing access to extended
services. See also the Guardian
Every Child Matters supplements.
'Extended school' is not a status that schools centrally apply for as activities will depend on the needs of the local community. Schools will need to work with their local authority (in particular the extended schools adviser), pupils, parents, the local community and local providers. The practical know-how section has more details on how to set up extended services, including a step to step guide. The Extended Schools Prospectus is also a useful starting point. The role of the local authority and extended services is explained in more detail in the local authority section.
What funding is available?
The DCSF has announced a total of £1.3 billion in funding for
extended schools over the period 2008-11. Nationally £265 million of the
2008/9-2010/11 funding will go to help the most disadvantaged children and
young people access positive activities of their choice, which they would
otherwise be prevented from accessing.
Sources of advice
Find out what help is available for
local authorities and schools in setting up extended services.
Information for parents is available from the Parents Centre website.
Email the DCSF with any queries.
Last updated: 03 December 2008
