Children's charity 4Children warned that the move towards self-governing independent state schools could jeopardise the whole initiative and said that extended schools must be central to education policy 'not an after thought or an optional add-on'.
Schools are not legally obliged to get involved in the extended schools programme, although there is a statutory duty on local authorities to deliver childcare.
4Children chief executive Anne Longfield said, 'We are very concerned that moves to give schools ever more autonomy risks cutting our precious community resources adrift from their local neighbourhoods and other services that are crucial to meeting every child's needs. This has been described as a "pivotal" piece of education legislation, yet there is no mention of the Government's own policy to develop extended schools and encourage co-operation among schools and with other local children's services.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
