Benefits of being an Extended School
Research and our own experiences in indicate that there are major benefits to be gained from engagement in Extended Schools:
Benefits for all pupils:
■ Improved learning and achievement
■ Increased motivation and self-esteem
■ Improved access to specialist support to meet pupils’ wider needs
■ Increased positive attitude towards learning
■ Enhanced opportunities to learn new skills and talents and develop existing skills and talents
■ Improved health and well-being
Benefits for the school:
■ Additional facilities and equipment
■ Greater opportunities for staff for flexible working and career development
■ Improved collaboration with neighbouring schools and youth provision
■ Enhanced partnership working with the community and statutory agencies
■ Greater awareness of the community and pupil diversity
■ Greater appreciation of the parents’ role within education schools, families, communities - working together
Benefits for families:
■ Improvements in child behaviour and social and health skills
■ Better understanding of families’ backgrounds, cultures, concerns, goals and needs
■ Greater parental involvement in children's learning and development
■ Opportunities to develop parenting skills and to discuss parenting issues worth other parents and professionals
■ More opportunities for local adult education and family learning
■ Greater availability of specialist support for families
Benefits for communities:
■ Improved community planning and better access to essential services
■ Improved local availability of sports, arts and other facilities
■ Local career development opportunities
■ Improved outcomes for families and children
■ Better supervision of children outside school hours
■ Closer relationships with the school