All Hull schools will be 'extended schools', pledges MP

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today welcomed new figures showing the growth of 'extended schools' in Hull.

According to figures highlighted by Diana Johnson MP, 42 schools in Hull are already offering extended services including breakfast clubs, out-of-hours tuition and after-school clubs in sport, music and drama.

The Hull North Labour MP said that the Government wanted all schools to become 'extended schools' by 2010 and had reached a milestone of having over 7,000 extended schools across England two months ahead of schedule.

The Government wants all families with children up to 14, who require it, to have access to affordable, flexible and high quality childcare from 8am to 6pm. Local extended schools are one way of extending this choice to parents.

Hull City Council received £1.2 million to fund extended services in schools during 2007/08. Funding for the next three years to ensure all schools become extended schools will be announced later this year.

Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "Schools in Hull have worked hard to start offering extended services to pupils. We now have 42 extended schools in Hull. With extra funding from the Labour Government, all Hull's schools will become extended schools by 2010.

"I know that extended services are popular with parents and children and can help to put schools at the heart of their communities. They provide excellent opportunities for children to take part in fun activities and boost their confidence.

"Working alongside the Government's programme of new SureStart children's centres, extended schools help families juggle work and home life by giving parents greater flexibility, choice and support.

"Above all they give children the chance to take part in fun activities. They can practice sports, learn a musical instrument, have drama classes or simply catch up on their homework. There is already clear evidence that activities being offered across the country have had a positive influence on pupils and their education."