Find out more about Compass

Find out more about Compass

What is an Extended School?

An Extended School is a school that recognises that it cannot work alone in helping children and young people to achieve their potential. It therefore decides to work in partnership with other agencies that have an interest in outcomes for children and young people, and with the local community. In doing so, it aims to help meet not only the school’s objectives but also to share in helping to meet the wider needs of children, young people, families and their community.

Will the extended services be free of charge?

Some will be free but some will cost money.  For example, specialist support services such as health advice will usually be free.  But childcare and some activities offered after the school day will charge fees. 

Will all the services and activities be available at all schools?

No.  Parents and children will have access to different opportunities through their schools but not all will be held at their school site.  For example, an After School Club might be offered at one school but be open to children attending a nearby school. 

What services and activities can be offered in an Extended School?

  • Childcare – access to affordable childcare before and after the school day and during the holidays
  • Varied menu of activities for young people – ranging from homework clubs and study support to sport, music and special interest clubs
  • Support for parents - including parenting programmes and family learning sessions
  • Specialist support for children and young people - swift and easy referral to services such as speech therapy, family support and counselling
  • Community access to school facilities and to adult learning

Many schools are already providing some of these opportunities and have been doing so for some time.

Who will provide these services and activities?

Link to Herts Extended SchoolsSchools are not expected to deliver these services and activities on their own but to work with external partners and providers.

More information... www.hertsextendedschools.org.uk

Our Work

Each term we issue a newsletter with information about local services and activites.

Compass Parenting Support Worker Jan Garwood

The Government wants to make this country the best in the world for children and young people to grow up in. The Department of Children Schools and Families is going to achieve this by putting the needs of families, children and young people at the centre of everything it does. One of the initiatives recommended is the engagement of Parent Support Workers (PSW’s) to improve contact with parents and children through Extended Schools.

In Hertfordshire the PSW initiative is being implemented in each Extended School Consortium (Compass) where PSW’s are employed by the Hub School, in our case, Greenway School. The role is a valuable resource that helps schools within the consortium to fulfil the parenting support element of the extended schools’ core offer.

The emphasis for PSW’s is on helping parents to engage with their children’s learning by offering support and access to information where needed. This will include information sessions around school transition, signposting to services, parenting groups and family learning.

Jan was formally a senior teacher at Jupiter Drive School in Hemel Hempstead and has many years of experience. Watch out for further information through your school and this website. If you feel an informal chat with Jan would support you, please give her a ring Monday – Thursday on the following number or email: