Objectives Helping parents gain new skills, qualifications and even getback into work is one way of ensuring a better quality of life for theirchildren. But in a mainly rural area like the Isle of Wight, which haslimited transport links, it can be hard for families to access this kindof support. Downside Middle School in Newport is a full service extendedschool in the centre of the island, which makes it an ideal venue. It isalso part of a cluster of schools, so can promote opportunities to twolocal primaries and a high school.
The issues "For some people doing anything new or going to a new placeis a challenge in itself. We have tried to reduce that challenge byoffering support in a place parents are familiar with," says FranShelley, Downside's extended school manager. Using local firms andtutors that parents already know also helps. Funding has always been anissue. The school has used extended schools funding and been supportedby the local pathfinder project.
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