MP welcomes extended schools progress in Stockport

Stockport MP Ann Coffey is delighted that there are more after-school clubs, breakfast clubs and holiday clubs in Stockport than ever before – and that number is growing with the help of extra government funding.

Figures just published by Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes show that there are 63 “extended schools” in Stockport – that is schools which offer excellent opportunities for children to take part in activities outside the normal school day. Nationally, by 2010 the aim is for all schools to offer extended services, which could include affordable, high quality childcare for those families who need it.

Stockport received £1, 056,525 from central government to fund extended schools during 2007/08.  In July the Children, Schools and Families Secretary

Ed Balls announced a further £1.1 billion nationally over 2008-2011 to support the ongoing development of these services.  Local Councils will find out later in the autumn what their first-year allocation of this funding will be.

Ann Coffey said:  “I visit schools in my constituency almost every week, and I’ve seen how hard they have worked to make these opportunities available for the children.  As I’ve seen for myself, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs as well as extra activities in drama, music and sport are being offered in Stockport. As well as being great fun, I’m sure the activities also have a positive influence on the children’s confidence and attainment.”