Schools are at the heart of their community and as a part of the Every Child Matters agenda, schools are expected to be doing a lot to support both children and their families in a wide range of opportunities. Schools in rural communities have particular challenges, one of them being transport and isolation. Therefore, the Long Stratton Cluster of schools works closely together in mutual support. There is a cluster commitment to engaging both children and their families in school life and ensuring that their needs are met.
By 2010, all children should have access to a range of Extended Services in their area. For those of you not already familiar with the Extended Schools Core Offer, I have outlined a summary below.
There are 5 key areas:-
1. Primary Schools provide access or signpost high quality childcare so that their community’s need are met. This is also combined with a varied menu of activities to enhance achievement and broaden interests
2. Secondary Schools provide access to a varied menu of study support and enrichment activities for young people as well as a safe place to be.
3. Schools provide access or signpost parental support which includes information on starting school, transfers between schools, family learning and learning along side children where consultation has shown there is a need.
4. Schools enable swift and easy access to outside agencies as soon as possible; they then work together providing support to children with additional needs that have been previously identified.
5. Where it is possible, schools provide community access to their facilities. For example, sports or ICT equipment; this can also be a reciprocal arrangement.
The Long Stratton Cluster works collaboratively through their Extended Schools Co-ordinator to deliver the 5 key areas. Much has been achieved so far since January 2008 and foundations have been laid to ensure that Extended Services available to children and their families, are sustained.
For instance, the Extended Schools Steering Committee now includes representatives from South Norfolk Council, the Sports Partnership, Adult Education and Family Learning; the Long Stratton Cluster are presently involved in Phase 3 of Childrens’ Centres consultation; Family Learning programmes have been established and can be sustained in most schools in the Cluster; links with Village Halls and Parish Magazines have been established and communication regularly takes place between schools and the community via these; Preston Primary school has secured funding for a Breakfast Club; Long Stratton High School is developing its Community ICT suite by delivering courses such as Family History and Dads and Lads. Consultation and evaluation of these services is on going and invaluable to their sustainability. Therefore, any comments, ideas or offers of specific skills would be very welcome.
Meanwhile the pipeline… Long Stratton Cluster’s Extended Schools’ website where information about activities and initiatives can be accessed. Careers courses for 16 to 18 year olds and other adult education courses. Funding for Community Fun days. Knitting for ICT . A Youth Club in Long Stratton.
Bev Broadhead
Extended Schools Co-ordinator, Long Stratton Cluster
based at Manor Field Infant and Nursery School, NR15 2XR
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Telephone: 01508 530 356
Email: Bev Broadhead
