Extended schools target hit two months early

TdaNews Direct
Published: 29 August, 2007

Children's Minister Beverley Hughes has announced that 7,000 schools are now offering access to extended services such as dance classes and music production.

The milestone has been reached two months ahead of schedule, an achievement the minister celebrated by attending a Bollywood dancing class at Lister Community School in Newham, east London.

The Government wants all schools to offer a core set of extended activities by 2010, which will simultaneously provide all families with primary aged children access to affordable and flexible childcare from 8am to 6pm.

A survey by the Department for Children, Schools and Families has shown a 58 per cent increase in after school places and a 26 per cent rise in full day care places since 2003.

Ms Hughes said: "I’m delighted that through the hard work and commitment of local authorities and schools we have exceeded our milestone and now have over 7,000 extended schools, just in time for the new term.

"There is clear evidence already that activities being offered across the country have had a positive influence on pupils."