Summary

Research shows schools are becoming extended but need help with key challenges. The government has set ambitious new targets that all schools become extended schools-open from 8am to 6pm-all year round by 2010.

The report shows a number of key trends:

A significant number of schools and head teachers are willing to embrace the approach:

63% of head teachers embraced the extended schools concept and 47% of primary heads said they expect their schools tobecome extended in the next two years. This does show that a major push will be needed to persuade the 53% of head teachers to extend their offer by 2010.

Many schools already provide out of school provision :

Two thirds of schools currently offer some form of out of school provision but this is by no means comprehensive or consistent.
Only 9% of schools currently provide an 8am to 6pm service meaning that 91% will need to extend what they already do. Only one in ten children currently has access to out of school childcare offers by their school and waiting lists for childcare and other activities are 30% over subscribed.

There are some key areas of concern:

Key issues that concern heads when developing extended schools are staffing issues, premises, sustainability and financial and legal responsibilites. 70% of heads said they needed an available support service from local authorities to develop the extended schools concept, especially with setting up childcare.

Please download the document below.