Extended Services

Extended Services are the range of services and activities available to children, young people, families and the wider community, sometimes within local schools and often provided beyond the school day. Schools in Stockton are working hard to develop a range of new services to families within local communities to meet the government's target of every school offering access to a 'core offer' of activities and services by 2010.

This includes:

Childcare: this may be on a school site or may be provided at a nearby school, local childcare provider or childminder.
Varied menu of activities: to allow children and young people to learn outside normal school hours by pursuing special interests or trying out new things in a fun, stimulating and safe environment.
Parent support: giving parents access to information, guidance and support on issues that may affect the education of their child.
Specialist support: services that can be accessed more quickly and easily through the school.
Community access: opening the school to the local community for activities outside of the school day.

Stockton Borough Council believes that Extended Services help raise the achievement of children and young people and broaden their life opportunities whilst building a positive community spirit. It means that parents can become more involved in the life of their local school and parents are supported to help in their children's education and development.

What is on offer?
Like every community, every school is different. Not all schools will be able to provide all of the services and activities on-site but they should be able to tell you where you can find them in your local area. However, it can take time for schools to find out what is available in their community so please be patient. Typically, many schools are providing:

For Children

Breakfast Clubs - a healthy meal, starting the day ready to learn.
After-School Clubs - to unwind and socialise in a safe place.
Homework clubs and study support - a quiet place to work where pupils get the support they need.
Holiday schemes - run by local organisations, where children can try their hand at, say, canoeing, cycling or an adventure course.
Activities - sports, computers, music, arts, drama, model making, cooking etc.

For Adults

Family learning - where children can learn with parents.
Information sessions - for parents when children move on to primary or secondary school.
Parenting and family support - for anyone who wants it.
Swift and easy access to a wide range of specialist services so problems can be resolved quickly.
Community use - sports facilities, adult classes.

For details of extended services in your area please contact your local Extended Services Co-ordinator.