What is the Extended Schools Programme?

The Extended Schools Programme is an initiative aimed at enhancing the learning opportunities and support available to students beyond normal school hours. Its primary goal is to provide children and young people with access to a wider array of services and activities that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and overall wellbeing.

What services does it offer?

This programme allows schools to provide additional support, including extracurricular activities, therapies, and enrichment programmes. It addresses students' emotional needs and tackles specific barriers to learning, offering services such as school-based counselling and family support. At Cedar Lodge, for instance, we allocate funding to introduce therapeutic services like art and music therapy. Our students also enjoy various extracurricular activities during lunchtime, promoting skill development and positive social interactions.

Who benefits from the programme?

The Extended Schools Programme is particularly beneficial for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may encounter extra challenges in their education and personal lives. It specifically targets those with limited access to extracurricular and enrichment activities. Most of our students at Cedar Lodge gain from this funding, whether through therapy services or participation in diverse extracurricular offerings.

What does the programme include?

At Cedar Lodge, the Extended Schools Programme encompasses several services, such as:

• Family support services: We conduct a monthly Parent Support Group at the HUBB Community Centre on the first Monday of each month.
• Health and well-being services: These include counselling and access to mental health support, with options ranging from traditional therapy to art and music therapies.
• Extracurricular activities: We offer a variety of lunchtime activities that help students develop their skills in arts, sports, and more, while fostering positive relationships with their peers.

The ultimate aim of the Extended Schools Programme is to create an inclusive and supportive school environment that enables all students to thrive both academically and socially.