Extended Schools is one part of the Government’s Every Child Matters programme. The Government’s aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to:

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

Schools located at the heart of the community are well placed to take up the challenge of making Every Child Matters a reality for children, young people and communities.

The publication Extended Schools: Building on Experience sets out a core offer of services that all children should be able to access through schools by 2010.

The core offer includes:

• A varied range of activities including study support, sport and music clubs, combined with childcare in primary schools
• Parenting and family support
• Swift and easy access to targeted and specialist services
• Community access to facilities including adult and family learning, ICT and sports grounds

The school will work closely with parents, children and others to shape these activities around the needs of the community.