The NFER was commissioned to produce the report, Towards the development of extended schools, by the Department for Education and Skills and the National Union of Teachers in January 2002. It carried out an audit of the types of schools in England offering 'extended' services, then interviewed key staff in 50 schools.
The research identified a broad range of extended services, including creche and pre-school facilities, family and parenting support, additional schooling offering pupils curriculum and leisure activities outside the traditional school timetable, and provision from other agencies, such as health and social services.
The report, a summary of which was published last week, found that access to resources, joint working and the vision of the headteacher all played a critical part in the setting up of extended schools. The most significant factors inhibiting their development were found to be a lack of resources, lack of space, and low levels of community interest and involvement.
NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said the NFER research underlined the benefits teachers believed could come from the concept of extended schools.
He said many teachers who took part had pointed out that having other services available in schools could reduce their workloads.
Mr McAvoy added, 'Together with the promotion of parenting skills and parental involvement in children's education and the improved behaviour and motivation of pupils, a reduction of the pressure on teachers would seem a logical result. But as the research emphasises, it must be the school that decides to develop such provision rather than it being imposed from the top.
'Schools must be able to develop the provision that suits their community best. Equally, there must be adequate resources in terms of staffing and funding.'
Sure Start minister Catherine Ashton said last month that 240 schools - at least one in each local education authority - would receive a total of 52.2m over the next three years to provide extended services.
The report summary is on the website www.dfes.gov.uk/research (reference RB408), or available free from the DfES on 0845 60 222 60. Copies of the full report (reference RR408) will cost 4.95 and be available at the end of April from DfES Publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham NG15 ODJ. Cheques should be made payable to DfES Priced Publications.
