Briefing: Crib sheet - Schools of the future?

I keep hearing about extended schools: what are they? There's no definitive model. They're schools that offer services to pupils, their families and local communities that are additional to those considered to be the core business of teaching. It's not a new idea, but the national curriculum and school league tables, inspections and the local management of schools has led to many head teachers feeling their primary focus has to be what happens in the classroom.

Why the change of direction? It seems to be tied into the almost bewildering series of initiatives from Government: Education Action Zones, Excellence in Cities, Beacon Schools, the National Healthy Schools Standard, Schools Plus and Specialist Schools. In 1999, Scotland piloted 37 initiatives in 170 schools across 30 local authorities. In 2002/3, England followed suit with pathfinder projects set up in 25 LEAs and involving more than 200 schools. The Education Act 2002 gives school governing bodies the power to "facilitate innovation", which could mean extending school services, with the proviso that any enhancement should contribute to the raising of educational standards.