Children's centres and extended schools
On 23 January 2008, Ofsted published a report (How well are they doing? The impact of children's centres and extended schools ) which evaluates the impact of services provided by extended schools and Sure Start children's centres on children and young people from birth to 19 and on their families. It follows an earlier evaluation of the national roll-out of extended services. Key findings include:
- Children's centres were fulfilling their remit to provide at least the minimum requirements of their core offer. The majority of schools offered a range of out of school activities which motivated children and young people to develop new skills and interests.
- Children moving from children's centres to schools were generally well prepared. However, the effect of such preparation on their early learning and attainment was not evaluated.
- Learning in children's centres was more effective when the leadership team included staff with a background in education. However, not all the qualified teachers supporting children's centres had experience or training in providing for children under three.
- Individuals and families were served well by the children's centres and schools that they attended. Services which had been used by the most vulnerable parents were reported to have transformed the lives of some parents and had positive effects on their children. However, settings did not do enough to reach out to particularly vulnerable individuals or families, or those living beyond the immediate neighbourhood.
- The schools with the most effective services had integrated the development of extended provision within their school improvement plans, with a clear focus on improving positive outcomes for children and young people.
How well are they doing? The impact of children's centres and extended schools (PDF)
