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Voluntary Sector can play a key role in extended schools says Alliance as it launches Helping Schools, Helping Pre schools

NEWS RELEASE

6 February 2006

Voluntary Sector can play a key role in extended schools says Alliance as it launches Helping Schools, Helping Pre schools

The Pre-school Learning Alliance will today launch a detailed guidance pack for schools wanting to develop childcare provision. The Helping Schools, Helping Pre-schools pack is published as the government’s extended schools initiative, a key component of the ten year childcare strategy, rolls out across the country.

The pack, which will be distributed to all local authorities in England, provides practical advice for schools and addresses the important issue of working in partnership with existing pre-schools in the local community. The pack contains a series of comprehensive fact sheets covering issues that schools should consider when establishing an early years and childcare service, including: Advice for Governors, Early Years Terminology, Establishing a Pre-school on a School Site, Equipping Your Pre-school Setting, Marketing Your Pre-school and Model Lease and Full Guidance Notes.

The extended schools initiative marks a new departure in the services provided by schools and has been welcomed by the Alliance. Working with an extended school offers the potential for pre-schools to secure better premises, integrate their services within a wider environment and receive support in expanding to provide other services such as wraparound care or family learning.

Pre-school Learning Alliance Chief Executive Steve Alexander said:

‘Voluntary sector settings are eager to get involved in extended schools, but are often concerned about how the initiative might impact upon them, and how, practically they can participate. Similarly, schools often need support in establishing new arrangements with charitable organisations. We produced the Helping Schools, Helping Pre-schools pack to offer practical advice and support to schools interested in working in partnership with voluntary sector pre-schools and nurseries’.

‘Extended schools present exciting opportunities for schools and early years settings to work together. The information pack will help to ensure they enjoy effective partnerships with schools, while maintaining their own identities’.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Fletcher
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 02070149301
Out of hours press calls: 07979 531130
E: Andrew Fletcher

Notes for Editors:

  1. The Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 500,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
  2. Helping Schools, Helping Pre-schools is part of a series of initiatives by the Pre-School Learning Alliance designed to support settings in engaging with extended schools. More information will follow in due course.
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