OBJECTIVES - Special schools can face particular challenges when developing extended services. Harford Manor School in Norwich, which caters for children and young people aged four to 19, was keen to gain accreditation through the Quality in Study Support programme and deliver extended services. "We wanted to make the most of the school day and provide pupils with opportunities for extended learning after school," explains extended schools co-ordinator Mike Skulski.
WHAT WAS DONE - The school already ran some clubs but over the past five years has greatly expanded what's on offer to pupils. This includes an array of lunchtime activities, which mean pupils who can't stay after school can still benefit from extended learning. Lunchtime sessions include a drumming class, disco club, girls' club where secondary age pupils discuss personal, social and health education issues, and games clubs featuring pool, table football and darts. Pupils have a lot of say through the school council. After-school activities include a cookery club, gardening club and a youth club for those in further education and young people who have left the school. A creative arts club is geared mainly towards gifted and talented pupils. "We have a lot of young people on the autism spectrum and some of them are very good artists," says Skulski.
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