Schools and communities can both gain from extending school activities and services into the community and using school facilities beyond the school day. Not only will this make better use of school premises, but it can also improve levels of pupil behaviour, achievement and attendance. Extended schools can also improve the community’s access to services. Health, social care and other vital services are among the additional services that can be brought together on school sites, all tailored to meet a wide range of local needs and demands.

The facilities that extended schools in Sandwell could offer include:

• Childcare and crèches
• Adult and family learning
• Breakfast, school holiday and after-school clubs
• GP’s surgeries, clinics and social services offices
• Public libraries
• Community sports facilities
• Community halls for drama, shows, meetings and exhibitions

BSF is a great opportunity to be innovative in the ways schools work and to explore new ways in which they can involve the local community, families and local businesses.

Getting Involved

If you would like to learn more or have your say on how your local school will look, try some of these:

• Keep an eye on this website and your local school’s newsletter or website for updates and details of events where you will be able to get more information and share your ideas
• Look out for posters and leaflets at your community centre, library or faith group
• Ask your school how you can be involved through the BSF management of change group
• Discuss the programme with others in your community at groups of which you are a member, such as Tenants’ Associations or faith groups, or ask if they are involved in BSF
• Attend roadshows and public events at your local school, community centre or faith centre
• Attend public meetings such as your local Town Team
• Keep an eye on local media, including newspapers, radio and TV
• Read community magazines for updates on your area