Extended Schools - Guidance Document - Department of Education, Northern Ireland

Extended Schools Guidance

The policy document, Extended Schools: schools, families, communities – working together which was published in 2006 to accompany the launch of the programme, sets out the vision for Extended Schools (ES) policy and acts as a reference guide providing practical help to schools in delivering the aims of the programme. This can be accessed through the following link:-

The Extended Schools programme is now in its sixth year of operation. To serve as an update to the original policy document above, the School Circular Extended Schools –Building on Good Practice was developed in 2010 which seeks to refresh the policy vision behind Extended Schools and disseminated examples of schools currently demonstrating effective practice in providing extended services. Schools are encouraged to avail of the advice and guidance contained in the Circular which can be found at the following link:-

Financial Management Arrangements

The Financial Management Arrangements governing the use of Extended Schools funding were updated in 2010 and remain applicable for the 2011/12 financial year. The arrangements have been specifically designed to reflect the needs of the Controlled/Maintained sectors, Voluntary Grammar/Grant Maintained Integrated Schools and Special Schools. Schools participating in the ES programme are responsible for ensuring compliance with the budget management procedures as set out in the relevant financial guidance. The Financial Management Arrangements can be accessed below:-

Controlled or Maintained Schools:-

Voluntary Grammar or Grant Maintained Integrated Schools:-

Special Schools:-