The Extended Schools programme was launched back in 2006 and Braidside IPS was afforded the opportunity to be included in the programme in 2014. The programme is there to provide funding for additional activities for children which will hopefully;

“reduce underachievement and improve the life chances of children and young people by enhancing their educational development and fostering their health, well-being and social inclusion through the integrated delivery of the support and services necessary to ensure every child has the best start in life”. (Children and Young People’s Package, 2006)

Over the last 4 years we have prioritised and used the funding to promote literacy, numeracy, ICT, sporting activities, the arts, pupil welfare and further training opportunities for staff. Activities held have included:

• Morning reading club
• Reading Together
• Jolly Phonics workshop for parents
• Mathletics
• Playsport: Football, Dance
• Ju Jitsu
• Hockey
• Jo Jingles
• Gathering Drum
• Nerve Centre: Ipad training sessions
• Coding club
• SENsations: Nurture group / PDMU activities/ staff training

In 2018/19, we hope to be able to provide many of these activities again. In addition we will commence a partnership with FamilyWorks NI this year, to provide a counselling service and support for our children and parents, as well as training/ support for teachers. We hope that in addition to continuing to meet the educational needs of children this will also help with the social, emotional and well-being needs of the children at Braidside.

Information about activities will be sent home to parents, including dates and times that clubs are on, in the children’s homework folders. Remember to send back your reply slips promptly. We look forward to a busy year ahead!