Stratford children have their say
Children in Stratford are to have their say about what services they want to see in their neighbourhood.
Parents are also being invited to the special event next week that will explain the new activities that schools in the town are set to introduce.
Schools in Stratford are preparing to become extended schools. That means offering more than traditional lessons during term time.
Under plans being drawn up by the Government schools will become a base for lots of different activities that will benefit children, parents and the community the whole year round.
Schools will work with other bodies – such as Warwickshire County Council, Connexions, Warwickshire Police, and the health service to bring about the changes.
There are five core services that schools must offer, either themselves or in association with other partners and schools in the area.
But the views of children, young people and families are also being sought to help shape services to exactly what residents want.
A day-long event is being held at Stratford Civic Hall to give people the chance to find out more. Workshops led by youth workers to let the young people have their say.
Carol Bunyard, Extended Schools Strategy Officer, said: “Extended schools will revolutionise the way that schools are seen in the community and services are accessed. They will become hubs of activity the year round, with many different agencies and organisations using them as a base to deliver local services. Underpinning all these plans is the phrase ‘Every Child Matters’ and that’s what this event is all about. We want people in Stratford to feel part of this process and are looking forward to hearing their views.”
One area that is making excellent progress in its arrangements is Studley, where all the schools in the town have formed themselves in a cluster to share services. Mary Johnson, headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said parents in the area would benefit.
She said: “All children and families are different and they have different needs. We are working together so those needs can be easily met. For example, if a parent is new to the area there will be someone to point them to all the services they need. The schools and other partners are making great progress working together.”
The conference takes place from 9.30am to 4pm on 20 June 2006. To book a free place, call Juliet Jenkins on 01926 409124 or email juliet@noelquinn.co.uk.