The delayed publication of the Government's prospectus for extended schools in June - it was expected in November last year - signalled a dramatic acceleration of its plans to develop wraparound childcare and a range of additional services for children, families and communities.
This flagship programme, embracing a flotilla of other Government initiatives aimed at using schools to embed integrated services in communities, has been well and truly launched. But is it entering choppy waters with meagre financial rations on board and doubts over the direction it should take, or is it plain sailing ahead?
The Government plans to spend a further 680m up to 2008, on top of the 160m already committed to the programme from 2003 to 2006. By July next year 2,500 extended schools will be in place and by 2010 the Government wants all schools, working in partnership with other schools or childcare providers, to ensure access to year-round childcare from 8am to 6pm. Half of all primary schools and a third of all secondary schools are expected to reach this goal by 2008.
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