Varied Menu of Study Support Activities  

"Study Support is learning activity outside normal lessons which young people take part in voluntarily. 

Study Support is, accordingly, an inclusive term, embracing activities with many names and many guises.  It's purpose is to improve young people's motivation, build their self-esteem and help them to become more effective learners. 

Above all it aims to raise attainment."

(The Study Support Framework, DFES, 2006)

By 2010 all children should be able to access a varied programme of study supprt activities beyond the school day. The menu of activities which is offered should be based on the needs and demands of their pupils and local communities. Young people will only attend activities they value so the activities offered should reflect their interests and be delivered in a way that engages them.

Most schools already provide a varied programme of activites.

The precise menu of activites will vary from school to school and may include:

• Homework clubs, catch-up and booster activities
• Music tuition
• Dance and drama
• Arts and crafts
• Special interest clubs such as chess, ICT and first aid
• Visits to museums and galleries
• Volunteering
• Business and enterprise activities
• Sport – a least two hours a week beyond the school day for those who want it

These activities might be delivered directly by the school or through schools working collaboratively with each other and other relevant agencies and organisations. Young people and parents will be expected to pay for some activites and schools can also signpost them to existing opportunities which are being provided by other providers in the area. Safe transport to activities should be provided if consultation shows that there is sufficient need, this can be arranged by the school or provider and can be charged for.

For Primary Schools these activities should be combined with access to childcare in accordance with community need.

For Secondary Schools these activities will contribute to the childcare offer providing there is no demand for formal childcare. The school should offer access to a safe place to be from 8am - 6pm; this could be a combination of study support activities and access to a supervised area within the school or might be provided in the local area with appropriate transport arrangements.

Case Studies

For case studies of schools who are currently providing services relating to Wide & Varied Menu of Study Support Activites, please open the following link: School Core Offers: Online Case Studies Resource

Study Support Forum 

The Study Support Forum offers practitioners to discuss, share and inform others as to the work going on in this area, across Kent.

Useful Documents

The following documents may help in your understanding, delivery and moderation of the Study Support activities within your setting:

• Study Support Powerpoint presentation - This can be downloaded, ammended and used for Inset or staff training around Study Support;
• Service Level Agreement - for use with External Providers;

Partners

The Study Support Team work together to deliver the agenda.  This team is made up of Kent Children's University and Playing for Success.

Useful Links

• Study Support: A National Framework for Extending Learning Opportunities (DCSF 2006)
  This document outlines the policies behind study support and sets out the role of the local authority and schools/other providers.
• Extended Schools: Building On Experience  This document updates the vision (set out in Extended Schools: Access to Opportunities and Services - published in 2005) with some of the huge amount of learning that has been developed by schools, Local Authorities and their partners.
• QiSS (Quality in Study Support) aims to support schools, Local Authorities and other educational organisations in raising students' achievement, motivation and self-esteem.  QiSS delivers the only Quality Assurance Framework based on the DCSF Study Support Code of Practice.  These frameworks are used by schools/clusters and other providers in reviewing and planning the development of their Study Support provision. 
• ContinYou  (Changing Lives Through Learning) offers opportunities to people who have gained the least from formal education and training.  They work with a range of professional people, organisations and agencies to enhance what they do to change their lives through learning.
• Kent Resource Directory  This online directory brings together information about services, activities, support and guidance for children and young people, aged 0-19 years, parents and practitioners across Kent.

For more information, contact Emma Jenkins (07825) 506583

Extended Services

Oakwood House

Oakwood Park

Maidstone

Kent

ME16 8AE