New research was used today to support a call for all schools to become centres for ‘community services’. The research shows that the provision of community services in schools can improve pupil attainment, behaviour and attendance, support family involvement in children’s learning and boosts community pride and involvement.

Announcing funding for 46 more schools to provide a full range of children, family and community services, Catherine Ashton, Minister for Extended and Inclusive Schools, said she wants every school to become an extended school and set out the reasons why.

‘Extended’ schools provide childcare, health and social care, study support, lifelong learning and family learning, parenting support, access to ICT, and sports and arts facilities for children and their family.

The report revealed:

Catherine Ashton said: “Schools are an extremely valuable resource for the whole community. The provision of extended services will help pupils, families and the wider community get the best out of their local school.”

“We are funding an additional 46 schools to provide childcare, health and social care, study support, lifelong learning and family learning, parenting support, access to ICT, and sports and arts facilities for children, families and the wider community. By 2006, at least one school in every LEA will receive funding to provide these specific services.”

“I want to encourage every school to provide extended services and we have changed the law to make it easier for them to do this. We are also providing guidance, support and funding for every LEA to help all their schools to develop the services most needed by their community.”

“Parents become more involved in schools that provide extended services, which helps them support their children’s learning. Schools providing services needed by local people become the focus of the local community and boost community pride and involvement.”