Extended Schools Funding

Additional Support for Schools

Further to my letter dated 19th July 2006, I am pleased to be able to pass on to you the results of the deliberations of the Schools' Forum on 6th December in relation to the Standards Fund Grant (Extended Schools) allocation for distribution directly to schools.

The final sum for distribution was £712,403. The Schools' Forum decided that it would be best distributed to schools based on the number of pupils on the school roll. The funding will be based on the number of pupils shown on the January 2006 PLASC return excluding those in Years 12 and 13. This amounts to £6.39 per pupil.

This funding should be used to support the development of extended services and can be used in a variety of ways, for example:-

• By combining the resources in a cluster of schools to develop wider community services


• By combining the resources in a cluster to provide a cluster extended schools co-ordinator


• By combining the resources in a cluster to help in early intervention through the funding of a cluster family support worker


• By using the funds to off-set resource setting-up costs for a new extended services activity


• To support/engender collaboration between cluster schools and partners in regard to the extended services/Every Child Matters agenda


• To support community consultation and the assessment of community needs


• To support training for staff in the new roles that this agenda potentially requires, e.g. CAF coordinator, business management, provider of information and advice on available services

The funding should not be used to subsidise the costs of activities that will result in them becoming unsustainable. It is essential that schools work closely with their allocated locality Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools Development Worker who will be able to provide expertise and guidance on the development of extended services/activities.

It is likely that the Standards Fund Grant allocation for 2007-08 will be similar to the one for this year. However, members of the Schools' Forum did indicate at their meeting that they are likely to agree for this funding to be distributed to clusters of schools. More information will follow later in the Spring Term.

If you would like information on accessing the Extended Schools programme, please contact Virginia Wakely or Peter Simmonds on 01603 638092/222997.