An extended school provides access to a wide range services for children, families and the whole community during term time. These services might include
- childcare
- parenting and family support
- a range of activities including study support, sport and music clubs
- swift and easy referral to specialist services such as health and social care
- community use of facilities including adult and family learning and ICT.
Extended schools don’t necessarily have to provide childcare and activities on school premises – they could work in partnership with local organisations to provide these services at other locations.
Extended schools in Lewisham
The Government is asking all schools and childcare providers to work together and get involved in their local extended schools programme. The aim is that all schools will be extended schools by 2010.
In Lewisham we aim to use the extended services programme to enhance the quality of life for pupils and their families, enabling young people to raise their levels of attainment and attendance and to reach their full potential. We intend that, in time, all of our schools will be part of the extended services network.
Find out more about the latest developments for extended schools in Lewisham.
Children’s Centres in Lewisham
Alongside our extended schools programme we are also developing six children’s centres in Lewisham. By 2008, we will have nine centres, three of which will be based in schools. Our children’s centres will be crucial in helping us to provide an extended schools service across the borough.
Find out more about the Government’s extended schools programme
The extended schools programme is part of the Government’s Every Child Matters programme. To find out more about both of these initiatives, visit the Every Child Matters website (follow the link on the right).