01 November 2002
Schools could soon be hosting health and social services, citizens' advice bureaux and even post offices under a pilot scheme to extend their use in the community.
Schools minister Cathy Ashton launched guidance on October 30 to allow a range of pupil, family and community services to be sited in schools.
Twenty-five schools will act as pilots to develop the scheme. The government is pushing for public sector agencies – including health – to take a 'joined-up' approach with the schools. The pilots, which include Birmingham, Bradford, Lancashire, Lincolnshire and Sefton, will build on a similar project launched by the Local Government Association last year.
'The government's extended schools programme will put schools at the centre of each community, said Ashton.
'It will make services such as study support, before and after school care, childcare, health and social care more accessible.'
Ashton said the pilots will receive extra funding to set up the community services.
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