As part of an evaluation of full-service extended schools for the DfES, academics from the universities of Manchester and Newcastle concluded that there was 'every reason to persevere with the implementation and development of extended provision'.
But they warned that some schools had 'experienced tensions between their long-term approaches and the more immediate demands of the attainment agenda'.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes welcomed the report and pointed out that 3,000 schools have so far signed up to the extended schools programme - 500 more than had been expected by this month.
Professor Alan Dyson, who led the research team, acknowledged that some schools were 'struggling' and were worried that they would not be able to sustain services once Government support came to an end.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here