Many schools already offer a range of extra-curricular activities and support for pupils and are providing at least part of the core offer. Delivering the full core offer may mean expanding the range of services they provide, but schools are not expected to do this alone nor to make all services available onsite.

Designing services

Schools are legally required to consult widely before delivering extended services. The first step should be to contact the local authority (LA) – all LAs will have an extended schools remodelling adviser (ESRA) or equivalent role. The ESRA will be able to provide an overview of:

• current local service provision
• the LA strategic plan for extended services
• the Children and Young People’s Plan
• Children’s Trust partners, and
• local cluster arrangements.

Schools will also need to consult potential service users, including pupils, parents and members of the local community, about their needs. Schools can then use this information to develop an extended services offer that reflects local demand, promotes the Every Child Matters outcomes and supports their own school improvement planning.

Extended schools funding guidance

The Government is making a major investment in the extended schools programme over the next three years and has produced a guide for local authorities, schools and their partners as to what funding has been made available. It explains how money will be paid to local authorities between 2008 and 2011, and includes advice and guidance on how it can be used to support the roll out of extended services.

Partnership working

Schools should be looking to share facilities and expertise with other schools and local organisations, such as childcare providers. This may mean building on existing links with other agencies and schools, or forming new relationships with voluntary, community and private sector contacts. For most schools, delivering the core offer will involve a mix of clear, effective signposting to other services and ‘in-house’ provision.

Responsibilities and opportunities

Inevitably, this will bring new responsibilities and new personal and professional development opportunities for school staff. In some cases, new roles – for example extended services coordinator or parent support adviser – will be set up to provide additional support.