Parents asked for ideas to improve schools

Members of East Sussex County Council's Extended Schools team are holding a survey to find out what extra services and activities parents think should be available in schools.

Extended schools include a range of activities and services for pupils, families and the wider community - these include breakfast clubs and after school clubs, childcare, a variety of specialist interest activities and clubs, parenting support sessions, a wide range of specialist family support services and use of school facilities for community activities.

By September 2010 the Government wants all families to have access to extended school services in their community. In East Sussex, schools are already ahead of target and 171, or 89%, are already offering extended school services.

ESCC now wants to hear from families their views on the services offered and the services they would like to see provided, in order to see where the gaps are.

In a questionnaire being distributed to parents through all schools, the council is asking a range of questions about childcare needs, holiday schemes, what out-of-school clubs they would like to see and would use, what adult workshops or classes they would like to see, and what support services they would use if provided at their local school.

Parents should receive a copy of the confidential questionnaire from their child's school. They are being asked to return their completed survey to the school by 16 October. Anyone who does doesn't receive a copy should contact their school or Merryn Staveley at the County Council on 01323 464064, email: [email protected]