Extended Schools Guidance
The policy document, Extended Schools: schools, families, communities – working together which was published to accompany the launch of the programme in 2006, sets out the vision for Extended Schools 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:- extended_schools_policy_document._0.98mb.pdf
The Extended Schools programme is now in its seventh 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 which seeks to refresh the policy vision behind Extended Schools and outlines 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:
Extended Schools Circular 2010 English (PDF-190KB)
Extended Schools Circular 2010 Irish (PDF-205KB)
Financial Management Arrangements.
The Financial Management Arrangements which govern the use of Extended Schools funding 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 which currently apply for the Extended Schools programme can be accessed below:-
Financial managment arrangements for controlled and maintained sectors (PDF - 54KB)
financial_management_arrangements_for_special_schools._72kb.pdf
For more on the current Extended Schools programme including the aims of the programme, the criteria used to determine which schools qualify and a list of those schools currently in receipt of Extended Schools funding, follow this link:- Extended Schools Programme
For further detailed guidance and information, please refer to the Northern Ireland Extended Schools Information System (NIESIS) www.niesis.org which is the dedicated technical support website for participating Extended Schools operated by the Education and Library Boards.
