Full Service Extended Schools
What is Extended Schools?
Extended Schools is a recent government initiative that has been rolling out into primary and secondary schools in Oldham over the last few years. It provides schools with the funding to help children and young people gain the chance to develop their skills, confidence and personal relationships outside of formal education.
An extended school is one that works with parents, outside agencies, teachers and students to create broader experiences for children and young people to shine and a community approach to learning and development.
What is the ‘core offer’?
The core offer covers all the elements of the extended schools work.
These are:
CHILDCARE [giving children a good start in their early years and supporting parents to benefit the whole family]
VARIED MENU OF ACTIVITIES [giving children and young people a choice of opportunities to enjoy and excel in outside the classroom]
SWIFT AND EASY ACCESS [working in partnership to ensure the well-being of all children and young people]
PARENTING SUPPORT [helping parents engage with their child’s learning by offering support where needed]
COMMUNITY ACCESS [schools opening their doors and becoming the heart of the community]
What are clusters?
Due to the size of Oldham and the different needs within each community, we have divided up the borough to ensure that everybody gets exactly the right support.
There are 19 clusters, which are:
CHADDERTON [Chadderton South, Central and North]
EAST OLDHAM [Watersheddings, Glodwick, St Thomas Moorside, Beever and Greenacres]
FAILSWORTH AND HOLLINWOOD
ROYTON AND SHAW [Crompton and Shaw, and Royton]
SADDLEWORTH AND LEES [Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South and Saddleworth West and Lees]
WEST OLDHAM [Alexandra, Fitton Hill and Hathershaw, Werneth, and Coldhurst]
What kinds of activities/services are provided?
Local services are based on meeting local needs and the outcomes set out in Every Child Matters: Change For Children. Our services not only address the needs of children and young people themselves, but also the needs of their families and carers and the wider needs within their community, all of which will hopefully impact on children and young people achieving their full potential.
The range of opportunities offered is huge across the borough, from greater access to ICT, sports and arts facilities and clubs, study support, family learning and parenting classes, and the 8am to 6pm childcare offer.
Can my child and family be involved?
Yes of course, all extended schools work is completely inclusive and accessible to all. We recommend that you speak to your child’s school to find out what is on offer and how you can get involved.
What happens from September 08?
September 08 sees a new school year filled with exciting and informative opportunities for children and young people, teachers, parents and the wider community. Keep an eye on this webpage for more information!
Contacts for more information…
Simone Spray, Strategy Manager on simone.spray@oldham.gov.uk
Natalie Brown, Projects Officer on natalie.brown@oldham.gov.uk
