NUT/DfES research on extended schools NUT reaction

Commenting on the NUT/DfES joint researchcarried out by the National Foundation for Education Research, on extendedschools, Doug McAvoy, NUT General Secretary, said:

This research underlines the benefitsteachers believe can come from the concept of extended schools: higherstandards, improved attendance, better behaviour and, significantly, greatermotivation among pupils.

The research recognizes that schools areat the centre of their communities.They are not narrow delivery agents for tests and targets.

Many also pointed to the reduced workloadhaving the additional support from other services available in schools couldbring. Indeed, together with the promotion ofparenting skills and parental involvement in their childrens educationand the improved behaviour and motivation of pupils, a reduction of thepressure on teachers would seem a logical result.

But as the research emphasises, it must bethe school which decides to develop such provision rather than it being imposedfrom the top. Schools must be able to develop the provision which suits theircommunity which they know and understand best. Equally, there must be adequateresources in terms of staffing and funding if the scheme is to be successful.

This research should inform the futuredevelopment of extended schools and shows the value the then EducationSecretary David Blunkett saw in working in partnership with the NUT.

EN D pr.22/03

For further information contact the NUTPress office on : 020 7380 4706