News

Show the way on extension

With commitments for all schools to be extended schools by 2010 hitting the headlines on a weekly basis, the debate over what constitutes an extended school and what that will mean for children's leisure time is growing. With any far-reaching change such as this it is necessary to be clear about what is intended and the aim and potential impact on children.
With commitments for all schools to be extended schools by 2010 hitting the headlines on a weekly basis, the debate over what constitutes an extended school and what that will mean for children's leisure time is growing.

With any far-reaching change such as this it is necessary to be clear about what is intended and the aim and potential impact on children.

There will rightly be concern that this could become an extension to the formal school day and by implication an extension of formal lessons and learning. There are warnings about condemning children to spend up to 50 hours a week in one institution. While this is far removed from what we know about the vision for extended schools, it is a useful reminder of what we must make sure we avoid.

But these worries shouldn't limit the potential that extended schools offer. 4Children has long argued for opening the doors of schools to help offer the high quality support that we know so many community groups work so hard to obtain. This would mean that we could provide a universal after-school service for children - one that is exciting, relaxing and peaceful.

We have the opportunity to create inspirational places for children - places to play, try out activities, be with friends and have the support of playworkers.

Over the next five years, the extended school could begin to redefine schools. With an 'extended schools prospectus' due out from Government in the new year, this is now the time to define what the content of this new form of provision will be.

Ensuring that the needs of the child are centre stage will be key in providing the valuable out-of-school opportunities that we know so many children miss out on.