Standards Fund 1.6 Extended Schools

Additional Support for Schools

In March 2008, the Schools' Forum approved the recommendation to allocate the 2008/09 funding of £810,000 directly to clusters of schools based on a per capita basis. To take into account the varying size of each cluster, it was agreed that the money would be allocated as follows:

£10,000 for each of the 45 clusters	= £450,000
Plus £3.24 per pupil (based on January 2008 NOR of 110,994)	= £360,000
Total	= £810,000

The money will be distributed through the treasurer of the cluster and will be included in the May budget adjustments.

This will give clusters funding for 2008/09 to:

	To support/engender collaboration between cluster schools and partners in regard to the extended services/ECM agenda;
	To support/develop the role of a cluster extended schools co-ordinator (this is proving to be a valuable use of the funding as a number of clusters have found this role is a good way to co-ordinate and manage the extended schools agenda);
	To support community consultation and the assessment of community needs;
	To contribute to resource setting-up costs for new activities.

The allocation of funding to clusters:

	Implies liaison and schools collaborating together - can use existing arrangements;
	Provides a reasonable sum to develop or continue to develop extended services for the wider cluster community;
	Will need clear, open and accessible administration and it is advised that a general outline spending plan is developed before funds are deployed.

Note: The funding may not be used to subsidise activities although it could be used for setting-up costs.

It is essential that schools work closely with their LA area based Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools Development Workers who will be able to provide expertise and guidance on the continued development of extended services/activities.

Parent Support Advisers

Following on from the successful Parent Support Adviser pilot, and inline with the national roll out of PSA work, there will also be funding provided to enable each cluster to appoint a Parent Support Adviser from September 2008. More details about the role of a PSA, including job description and information about the pilot project will be made available to schools by half term.

There are currently a number of PSAs working in clusters across the County for the PSA pilot whose contracts will be coming to an end in July 2008 and they will be in the position of being able to apply for the posts when advertised.

If you have a query on the above, please contact:

For Extended Schools - Peter Simmonds, School Workforce Performance and Development Manager, on 07795 265669, or email Peter Simmonds

For Parent Support Advisers - Please contact Beverley Bird, Parent Support Adviser Coordinator, email Beverley Bird.