Extended Services Questionnaire

As part of the Crofton Schools Cluster we have been offering a range of events, activities, information and support to children and their families through our Extended Services programme. To help us enhance our provision we would like your views on the current services and any comments and suggestions you have for future services.

•   Printable PDF of Extended Services Questionnaire (88kb)

We are currently working together with all schools in the Crofton Cluster to meet DCSF targets for extended schools provision. Some extended schools provision is offered at different school sites and at community sites such as Stubbington Community Centre and Stubblee Children's Centre in Lee on Solent.

Extended Schools Overview

"An extended school is a school that recognises that it cannot work alone in helping children and young people to achieve their potential, and therefore decides to work in partnership with others who have an interest in outcomes for children. In doing so it not only meets the needs of the school but shares in meeting the wider needs of the community." - DCSF 2004.

"Extended Schools provide a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of children, their families, and the wider community." - DCSF Prospectus 2005.

In June 2005 the DfES announced a 'core offer' of extended services which it expects all children and families will be able to access at or through their local school by 2010. These are described as follows:

• high quality 8am-6pm childcare provided on the school-site or through other local providers
• a varied menu of activities, including study support - such as homework clubs, sports, music, tuition, arts and crafts, visits to museums, business and enterprise activities
• parenting support - including information sessions and family learning activities
• wider activities helping to re-engage pupils in school and learning
• swift and easy access to a wide range of targeted and specialist services

The DfES have set targets expecting the core offer to be available at half of all primary schools and one third of all secondary schools by 2008. Increasingly the phrase 'extended services in and around schools' has begun to be used alongside 'extended schools' with the importance of engaging with children, parents and communities in planning of extended services being highlighted in order to respond to actual local need. Schools are equally expected to work with existing service providers in communities so as not to destabilise existing provision.

The extended schools initiative is primarily about 'rasing standards' in terms of learner motivation, aspiration, achievement and behaviour, and access to support services. It is also about meeting Government targets in key services such as childcare, adult learning, healthy schools, community well-being and supporting the 'Every Child Matters' agenda.

Research carried out by different organisations, including Ofsted, over the last four years suggests that those schools which are already offering extended services are experiencing a range of benefits, including:

• more motivated pupils
• better attendance and behaviour
• more engaged and better equipped parents
• greater willingness to adopt healthier lifestyles, and
• better community access to local services.