Both primary and secondary schools should provide access to a varied menu of extra-curricular activities from 8am to 6pm (provided there is sufficient demand) during term time plus flexible holiday provision. These activities could include:
- study support, ‘catch up’, ‘stretch’ activities and homework clubs
- arts activities such as dance, drama and arts and crafts
- sports activities
- other recreational activities, for example creative use of ICT, music lessons, languages, enterprise activities, museum visits and residential trips, and
- holiday provision and summer schools.
Research carried out by Ofsted shows that the wider the range of activities on offer, the higher the participation rate.
Secondary schools must make sure activities provide young people with a safe, supervised place to be, including completing Criminal Records Bureau and health and safety checks. They must also give parents clear information about what activities are available and whether formal registration is needed. Parents should also be made aware that the childcare element of tax credits can be claimed for regular supervised provision for children up to 15 (or 16 if their child has a disability), if the school is charging for this service.
Delivering a varied menu of activities
Schools do not have to deliver all activities themselves nor provide them on site. Instead, they can signpost parents to existing services. Schools will need to assess existing provision and consult parents and carers, pupils, staff and the local community about their needs before deciding which approach to take and which services to offer. Local authorities are likely to be a good source of information.
Why offer a varied menu of activities?
Research carried out by Ofsted found that sports, the arts and other learning activities can transform attitudes, build self-esteem and encourage more effective learning. Extra-curricular activities can also improve motivation and attendance and have a positive impact on learning.
