The Government has set the ambitious target that all schools become extended schools – open from 8am to 6pm – all year round by 2010. 4Children research, by the Department for Education and Skills is the first research to demonstrate the current thinking and response from schools to this new programme highlighting the challenges that will need to be met.

The report shows a number of key trends:

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

63 per cent of head teachers embraced the extended schools concept and 47 per cent of primary heads said that they expect their schools to be extended schools in the next two years. This does show that a major push will be needed to persuade the 53 per cent 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 per cent of schools currently provide an 8am to 6pm service meaning that 91 per cent will need to extend what they already do. Less than one in ten children currently has access to out of school childcare offered by their school and waiting lists for childcare and other activities are 30 per cent over subscribed.

• There are some key areas of concern

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

Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children said; “This research shows a major positive change in the attitude and commitment of schools to creating extended schools. This is hugely welcome and crucial if the ambitious timescale for extended schools is to be met. Head teachers recognise that schools are well placed to be hubs for the community, opening their doors beyond the classroom. They can have an important role in supporting and motivating children to learn whilst offering real support to parents and communities.

“However the findings also show where the major barriers to this important change are – the availability of premises, funding and with it concerns over the sustainability of this wider offer to families and the make up and availability of the workforce. Providing support to schools on these crucial issues will be, over the next five years, an urgent priority if we want to make the extended schools vision a reality.”

The key finding and full Extended Schools Survey report is available on the 4Children website www.4Children.org.uk. For hard copies call the research team at 4Children on 020 7512 2112.

For more information contact Katherine Abbott on 020 7522 6928 katherine.abbott@4Children.org.uk or Alex Campbell on 020 7522 6917 mailto:alex.campbell@4children.org.uk

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