By 2010, in addition to the childcare offer, all children will be able to
access a varied programme of activities beyond the school day.
These activities will either be delivered directly by individual schools
and/or through schools working collaboratively with neighbour schools and
other relevant agencies and organisations. Schools should tailor their
menu of activities to meet the needs and demands of their pupils and local
communities.
While the precise menu of activities offered will vary from school to
school, it may include activities such as:
- homework clubs and study support
- music tuition
- dance and drama, arts and crafts
- special interest clubs such as chess and first aid courses
- visits to museums and galleries
- learning a foreign language
- catch-up and booster opportunities
- volunteering and business and enterprise activities
- sport - at least two hours a week beyond the school day for those
who want it
Young people (and this may apply to parents too) will only attend
activities they value and want, so this is an excellent opportunity to
provide activities relevant to pupils' interests, in ways that engage
them. This will also have a positive impact on the mainstream curriculum
and help improve motivation, behaviour and levels of achievement.
Many primary, secondary and special schools already provide a varied
programme of activities for pupils to develop their skills and explore
wider interests beyond their school day. The activities provided by
schools as part of their extended offer to pupils will be an important
part of the local offer to young people.
Some activities will be delivered solely by schools, others by schools in
partnership with the community, the Youth Service and other children's
services. Some activities may be delivered solely by voluntary or private
organisations. However they are delivered, the range of activities on
offer should be developed in consultation with young people and parents
and should be accessible and inclusive.
Young people and parents will be expected to pay for some activities. Not
all young people will wish to attend activities delivered in school but,
by working in partnership, schools can signpost them to other providers in
the community. Among many benefits, these activities will enable children
to have fun and develop wider interests and new skills, socialise in a
safe environment and, in many cases, develop a more positive attitude
towards their school and learning. They can also play an important part in
helping children live healthier lives and in reducing obesity through
providing cookery classes or sports.
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